Starting Chemo in July 2017
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Paulette - I used the recommended alternative practitioners that the local cancer center had on their website. I'd never had acupuncture before, but I'd read a bit about how it can build immunity so I gave it a go. So far I'm pleased, my white counts have been off the charts and the cupping had to have played a role in my second infusion. It's actually called fire cupping. She takes these special glass jars, puts a long lit match in it, just in and out quickly and then places it on my back. She'd rubbed some kind of unscented oil on (my nose has become so sensitive to smells, I requested it). Then she moved it around all over my back, it had a little suction. After maybe 20 min she then lined up a bunch all along my spine for maybe 5-10min.
Theresa
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Emily you will!! Some days it's hard and I haven't but it ALWAYS makes me feel better...ALWAYS!! I am a runner and even b4 breast cancer there are days I have to talk myself into it...but I always feel better and never regret doing it. Right now I walking, doing low impact strength and body weight and shorter slower runs.
I wanted to share something with you ladies..I opened up my journal this morning to write. Something I wrote down about a month ago after finding out I had a positive node and would need chemo. These are not my words...it was something I read on here from a thread called "TIPS FOR GETTING THRU CHEMO" July 22 2014 written by Cuculi
"THINK, THINK, THINK, YOU ARE GOING TO BE FINE. AND CONTINUE WITH YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES"
It struck a chord with me that day...positive thinking. And soninjotted down in my journal. Some days it's really hard but so so important!!
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Emily you will!! Some days it's hard and I haven't but it ALWAYS makes me feel better...ALWAYS!! I am a runner and even b4 breast cancer there are days I have to talk myself into it...but I always feel better and never regret doing it. Right now I walking, doing low impact strength and body weight and shorter slower runs.
I wanted to share something with you ladies..I opened up my journal this morning to write. Something I wrote down about a month ago after finding out I had a positive node and would need chemo. These are not my words...it was something I read on here from a thread called "TIPS FOR GETTING THRU CHEMO" July 22 2014 written by Cuculi
"THINK, THINK, THINK, YOU ARE GOING TO BE FINE. AND CONTINUE WITH YOUR DAILY ACTIVITIES"
It struck a chord with me that day...positive thinking. And so I jotted down in my journal. Some days it's really hard but so so important!!
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Taking a break from work to check in and say... I'M STARTING TO SHED...
I have thick hair and my hair has been falling out in strands each day for about the last 10 years or so. But it always seems to grow back since I don't have any obvious bald spots. I tend to pull any loose hair out before I shower so that I don't have a bunch falling out when I shampoo. But this morning, I pulled A LOT MORE than normal. So I was scared to shampoo. I used dry shampoo instead but I don't know which is worse. My hair is a short bob, so I'm hoping what remains will stay until after my sister's wedding this weekend. Will definitely start wig shopping today at a local shop. I've been having headaches more often, but not the scalp pain that others have described so I didn't think it would be falling out yet... At least not until my 2nd infusion next week.
Re: weight loss, I haven't had any problems eating, no nausea/vomiting, no extra exercise, and yet my weight has been steadily decreasing. So far, I have lost 5 lbs since my first infusion. I have been eating more vegetables and less carbs so hopefully that's why. As someone who struggles with mild obesity I should be ecstatic! But the nurse that did my chemo training said that they monitor chemo patients' weight each time to make sure they're not losing too much. Hopefully 5 lbs and counting won't be too much.
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sunnyjay - I will cry with you next week I cut my hair as pixie style from Bob style, so I won't have to see too much hair going to shed in a bunch. As far as weight if you cut carbs out you will lose weight. I did that before and I lost more than 20 lbs. sure I added exercise in the program. I love 4.5 lbs on my first 6 days once I got my appetite back I gained back 2 lbs so I only lost 2.5 lbs from my first chemo. I'm hoping to do better on the next round to add ensure smoothie on the first few days hopefully I won't lose much weight from it.
Runnermum - we will be positive and cheer up with each other.
Tess - thanks for the info, I need to find out who will provide this cupping treatment, also is your insurance pays for this cupping treatment?
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My husband gave me a buzzcut today. I haven't started losing the hair yet, but I feel better being prepared. It's a half inch long, and I figure I'll just get another shorter buzz when it starts falling. I tried to do a mowhawk first, but I just looked like Rick Astley with short sides and floppety curls on top. So we just went all the way. I have had hair almost this short in the past, by choice, so it doesn't feel too abnormal to me.
Saltines by the bed to take with my a.m. zofran has been essential. I am losing weight, but was a little overweight to start. I can't imagine trying to keep weight on with a bmi of 19. Not drinking on my partwill probably cause some additional weight loss.
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Thinking of you all... nice to read through and see everyone's doing relatively ok.
I'm one week post A/C #2 and just exhausted. Hoping it's the period more than the chemo. Also started losing all my hair... it was buzzed, so now it's coming out in sheets in the shower. Had quite the sob fest in the shower this morning... hair everywhere, stuck to my face, in the food.... just pissed about it all.
Still walking every day though... minimum 30 on the treadmill in the morning (I'm watching Unbreakable Kimmy Schmitz, which is perfect for that!).
Tomorrow will be a better day..
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well my hair is just like a peach fuzz, had my hairdresser cut it really short, sort of half inch. It actually looksok, i went to cancer center today for chemo but it was hot so i skipped anby hat or scarf
Feel,ok about it
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Recently hair-free sisters,I recommend finding a video of Sinead O'Connor doing Nothing Compares 2U online. For some reason it made me happy to look at it today. However, Prince sings it much better
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Hi Everyone!
Runnermum - Great to hear your staying active each day. I find it really helps me feel better, mentally and physically, so I try hard to at least get a short walk in, even on the bad days.
purple - Welcome back. Totally understand the need to step back for awhile. Also, I'm a fellow cold capper, who is also quitting it due to lack of effectiveness. Cutting what hair is left shorter and it will all be gone after the next round. I'm glad I tried, and I'm now at the point where I'm relieved to have made the decision to quit.
Teese - I'm starting to seek out acupuncture. Thanks for the info from your experience. I'm also intrigued by cupping, which seems to be done at most places where I'm finding acupuncture. I mainly want to do it to help keep stress levels low.
So, my update... I met with my MO yesterday. We are stopping with the TC (well, at least the Taxotere), and she is coming up with a new cocktail to start-up again next Fri (8/11), as long as the hives are gone. My allergic reaction was strong enough that she doesn't want to risk another round with Taxotere, which may produce even worse side effects. This made me very happy to hear, and immediately lowered my stress level.
It is also clear that last week was a very stressful week for me. I decided to stop cold capping, ordered a wig, started wearing scarves due to major balding spots and we had a big week at work (which was positive, but stressful). This, along with my reaction to Taxotere, and being in my low WBC days, was a recipe for major outbreak. So far the prednisone with 24 hr. Zyrtec and Benadryl at night seems to be working. I still have some hives that pop-up, but each day there are less of them, and a bit less intense. I'm also taking Ativan at night, which is helping stress levels and helping me sleep.
So, I'm hopeful that we'll get back on track with treatment starting next Friday, and my MO said the end date should be the same. She is looking at either DD Taxol, or Abraxane (this is actually the first choice). I'll know by next Tuesday when I see her again. Feeling good, and happy that she is helping find a better way to finish the treatment.
Now that my hives aren't as bad, I'm walking more and it is really helping my mental state. I went to Look Good, Feel Better today and it was incredible (highly recommend it)! I'm not a big makeup person, but the tricks they showed me will be very helpful. I have eyebrows thinning a lot, and eyelashes starting to fall, so makeup will help me a lot and they taught me how to do it the right way! They also gave me a bag full of amazing makeup and lotion (it must be over $200 worth of stuff!). I also received my wig today, and I LOVE it! I sent pictures to my Mom and some friends and everyone can't believe how much it looks like my own hair. I even freaked myself out a bit when I walked by the mirror and when I looked at the pictures my husband took. Wow!
I have some great headscarves and wigs, and a new plan being formulated and I'm feeling so much better. I'm hoping this is the beginning of the upswing for Round 2!
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
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LoJo - I'm so glad to hear your MO is stopping the taxotere and hopefully the hives will disappear soon. What an awful week you've had, but you're sounding so positive tonight.
Have a good night, hugs
Theresa
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Thanks, Teese! Yes, I'm feeing good tonight and hopeful for a nice weekend before I head towards Round 3!
Have a good night, as well. Hugs back!
-LoJo
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Your hives sound terrible LoJo100. I'm glad there is another option for you.
JenRuns, I'm watching GLOW while walking on my treadmill. I used to watch old Law and Order episodes, but they seem so depressing now. Getting that hour in on my treadmill every day makes me feel strong and healthy. I put a little pink heart sticker on my calendar every time I finish my walk (because DebDoesn'tRun).
So, I got hit with a UTI a week after my first TC. After going through my first 50 years without ever having one, I've been getting them way too often. I have a colonizing bacteria that lives with me (ever since a surgery in 2013), whenever my immune system is knocked down it comes roaring to life. It took three rounds of LevoFloxacin to get rid of it last time. I got lazy about eating fermented vegetables (for the good bacteria), maybe that's why, or maybe it's just you know, the chemo. I need to find my old sauerkraut recipe, but will pick up some fresh kraut at a local store in the meantime. My PCP had told me to make sure my MO knew about this, so it was no problem getting the right prescription right away. I was going in anyway for lab work and to see my MO's nurse practitioner the same day the fever showed up, so it was extra convenient, lol.
I got the OK to skip the pre-chemo steroids next time, which makes me happy. I hope I get to skip the Neulasta too (WBC before chemo 10.7; a week later, 17.7) but will talk to my MO about that before my next chemo infusion.
My hair is holding it's own for now (was shedding a lot, seems to have stopped for the moment), still not sure I'd use a wig, but plan to make a decision in the next week or so.
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Lojo-great to hear you sounding so happy. I got my amoena breast form today, so that was cool. I also made an appointment to get my wig trimmed (for free). I'm feeling grateful that I have good health insurance, and grateful for the generosity from different organizations during this difficult time. I will definitely pay it all forward. It has made the prospect of possibly losing some pay a little less scary if I can't work this fall
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hi Ladies,
Sounds like everyone are doing better now.
Will have my second infusion tomorrow, hoping the same SE as the last one, wish me luck
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I'm happy to report that today was a good day! After the awful shedding experience, I decided to check out the wig banks at the local cancer support center. Hubby came along for support even though he wasn't feeling well. It was my first time using any of their services, and let me tell you... This place rocks!!
I walked in without an appointment and the staff was so eager to help me. They brought me to "The Boutique", which is like a huge walk-in closet with a vanity. She pulled out the dark hair bin and most were short and curly. I have straight, dark, thick Asian hair. The only one with straight hair was a funky asymmetrical cut. So I was getting discouraged... But the girl that helped me went to go "check in the back". She comes back with a sack of dark hair wigs and I found several with straight hair and similar to my length! Apparently, a wig shop owner recently downsized or is closing, and donated a bunch of wigs. they haven't had a chance to store them in the boutique area. The ones I loved she said I could take... All 3! Next she pulled out a bin with sleeping caps and scarves, and told me to take a few. Wow... It felt like Christmas!
In the meantime, my hair continued to fall out. I had some fun with my 11-year old niece. I pulled out one strand, then another few strands, and pretended to be shocked each time I pulled out more. She was watching me and was tripping out, and finally yelled, "stop doing that!" Haha She's like the daughter I never had, so we share our feelings... and a lot of laughs.
Wish you all a good weekend!
Paulettek, will be thinking of you tomorrow and hoping for minimal SEs this weekend.
Lojo, glad to hear that your regimen will be changed. You, the runners, and the others on their dreadmills keep inspiring me to get on a fitness program and just start walking. I just added a reminder in my calendar to get my butt moving.
Leatherette, just like you my husband and I were so amazed at the generosity of the support center we visited today. We started talking about how to give back to this organization, so they can continue their mission of helping breast & ovarian cancer patients at no cost.
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Hello all,
Hair issues are being resolved and dealt with all round it appears. So happy to hear of positive outcomes with wigs and such.
Paulette- sending prayers for easy uneventful infusion, manageable SE. Hugs! You will find it's an easier week just because the first one is the BIG unknown.
My sister arrives for the weekend and excited for that. We plan on going to Spider-Man tomorrow, I always liked him. Then a cookout and time spent together.
Got the house in order again, my daughter is such a help. Then next week post infusion it can slide by with just straightening that my hubby and daughter keep up. We'll keep this routine till my daughter returns to school, then we'll have a cleaning service come in I think. I figure four cleanings over the 8 weeks of Taxol won't completely break the bank.
My plan had been to take a bible study class this summer that my church is offering both in the church and online. So far I've let that slide, so my goal this week is to get in the routine to spend time on it everyday. Post infusion week I usually have little energy but I should be able to sit and do that.
Also my gardens are getting quite shabby without anyone keeping at them. So I started today just puttering around in the cool morning air and it's so nice to be out there. My hubby takes care of feeding the birds and I filled the bird baths.
So trying this week to get into life again. I honestly think I've been in shock since my first infusion and the admission then the fear leading up to the second infusion about it all happening again. Then waiting to see how the week after infusion would go, as the first time I was in the hospital and nothing went well. So this week I see that life can be normal and I'm getting back to it. What a strange journey this has been.
Have a Good Friday, especially to you Paulette. Keep us up to date everyone.
Theresa
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Third dose of weekly pacletaxel will start this weekend for me. Did a blood count, and WBC have dropped considerably...but its still on the margin(4000 to be precise..range is 4k to 10k ). Anxios, as I have just 2 weeks done out of 12....whats next in store...
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Theantz. - best wishes, hugs and prayers sent your way for a good infusion day and post infusion week.
Theresa
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Paulette and theantz, wishing you uneventful infusions.
10 days out, I am doing pretty well. I did not have any nausea when I woke up, and went a few hours before I got nervous and took a zofran, just in time, I think! We are having a (Seattle,wimpy, 90 degrees) 'heat wave', and I walked two miles yesterday. I am pretty wobbly when I walk more than a couple of blocks, even if I'm not tired, so it keeps my husband on his toes. I had a smoothie and a piece of zucchini bread for breakfast, which I have been making for everyone else but was too sick to eat. My sense of taste is better, not great.
I started putting glutamine in my smoothies, today and yesterday, and I could swear my hands and feet felt more normal pretty soon after. No hair loss yet, acne from steroids gone, just feet peeling a little. I think I'm going to have 'baby feet' pretty soon!
I feel like I am constantly aware another shoe may drop, but not so much that I can't enjoy feeling pretty good. My next infusion is August 16
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Leatherette- hugs, don't get nervous you will be fine. Once I past day 7 I was home free you will be too!
Theantz- I read papaya help on WBC I added that to my weekly diet now
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I've been experiencing constant eye tearing this morning. After my first round I had sensitivity to fluorescent lights and my MO said that taxotere does go through the tear ducts. I saw the eye doctor and she prescribed eye drops and using a gel eye mask (heated in the microwave) & the issue cleared up. The issues after round 1 were in the first week, I'm now in week 3 of round 2. I used the eye mask & it seems to have helped. Is anyone else experiencing this and have you found any effective remedies?
Thanks,
Dawn
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Hi Dawn, I am having a lot of tearing, too, but I wouldn't say it is constant for me. So it hasn't bothered me that much. I haven't tried to remedy it yet
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Thanks Leatherette, Mine is improving after the mask & getting away from the computer for awhile. Good to know that yours isn't constant.
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Quick update... I've been off the prednisone since Thursday, and it seems that I'm turning the corner with these hives. I still get some raised areas, but they don't itch (or itch very mildly), which is awesome. The raised areas go down pretty fast, as well.
What I do have happening now is itchy soles of the feet and pain in my heels (kind of like plantar fasciitis pain, but I don't think it is). My ankles also swell a bit if I don't put my feet up (yesterday I was at work most the day, and my feet were very itchy and ankles a bit swollen when I got home). Raising my feet and staying off of them from last night and throughout today has helped a lot, so I'm hoping that this 'fun' SE goes away quickly. I think it might be a combination of Taxotere SE and withdrawal from the prednisone.
Overall, I'm feeling so much better and look forward to finding out what the new set-up will be (find out on Tuesday when I meet with my MO).
Thanks for all of the good thoughts! Overall, I'm feeling good and ready to get through the final 50% of this phase! :-)
Here's to everyone having a good weekend and minimal SE's!
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LoJo100 - sorry that you have heels pain now, hope you feel better soon.
Have a good evening ladies, my day went fine, just tired and slept more than usual. Tomorrow is day 3 for me
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Dawn, constant tearing is a symptom of dry eye syndrome. Before BC, I was told I have dry eye, so I use artificial tears as a remedy. The last few days I've been experiencing constant tearing and it results in "eye gunk" throughout the day. I see my MO on Tuesday so I'll ask what he recommends.
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Thanks Sunnyjay. I was using drops (Systane) and the eye mask regularly after I had my issues in Round 1 but had backed off recently since I wasn't having any problems. Looks like I need to keep using them even when I'm not noticing any problems.
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More tearing today-I already had Systane, so I'll try that. Also, a vent: my mouth f{replace1}amp;@ing hurts! Big sore inside near my lip making my lip stick out on one side. I have been using biotene and the salt water rinse. It's kinda cruel that as soon as things taste somewhat good again, the mouth sores come. That's cancer for you
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Hi ladies! I am back! I was MIA this week, actually worked my normal work schedule, which is great but very tiring! I feel fine but energy level still low. I tried!
Monday I start round 3 of TC! Wonder if it's the same of 1-2 or gets worse?
Leatherette- call your dentist and ask him to prescribe your " miracle mouth wash". The mxwash is compounded in the pharmacy with viscous lidocaine 2%, Maalox and Benadryl. It will numb thes sores and coat your mouth. Wedo it for kids all the time!
Sunnyjay and dawn sorry for the eye tearing! Mine twitches! Hope ppl are not thinking I am having a nervous tic! Hope all these SE disappear after last dose!
Lojo sounds like you are on tail end of this "hump" Hope things get easier now!!
Paulette- don't forget to go walking!!! Sleeping more than usual is good! We need rest! I did papaya smoothies my first two rounds and loved it! But there was a recall 2 weeks ago due to salmonella! In Illinois there are no papayas in the grocerie stores! I believe it was a certain brand/ provider. Either way be careful! I am Not sure how my smoothies willbe this time around. Prunes maybe?
Have a good Sunday everyone!
Mari
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