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Starting Chemo in November 2017

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  • rljes
    rljes Member Posts: 499
    edited December 2017

    Day #16 - My Hair has officially started falling out by the buckets. 

    Hope99 - I was prescribed Dexamethasone 4mg  - 2 pills twice a day = 16mg 

  • Toni_Faith
    Toni_Faith Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2017

    Hi Everyone! I soon too will be starting chemo 4 rounds of TC January 2018. My onco score is 25, this is a recurrence of IDC grade 3. Four years ago I was diagnosed with DCIS had surgery and life went on. This time its back and its IDC, ER positive with no node involvement. Treatment will be chemo, rads, tamo pill..Im 33 years old and very nervous and distraught about chemo and the posssibility of not being able to have kids. Im getting mixed feedback that TC is the harsh vice AC...Any feedback or support from those who have done the chemo TC 4 rounds would greatly be appreciated.

  • 19501952
    19501952 Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2017

    Hi all,

    I haven't posted in a few days but I've been reading all the posts. I started chemo Tuesday, 12/5. Stayed home next day, went to work Thursday didn't feel Good Friday and stayed home. Had some constipation issues and took Colace and ducalx which helped. My anti nausea med wasn't working well and my doctor called in a script for compazin. My main problem isnt really nausea it's reflux. At least I think its reflux. Has anyone else had that issue. I'm going to call the oncologist tomorrow and talk to someone but I just wondered if anyone had the problem and what they did about it. Other than being tired and still being in shock that I even need chemo I feel pretty good. No mouth sores but obviously somethings causing this reflux. Thanks for any advise and god bless everyone of you. Kate

  • frozentoes
    frozentoes Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2017

    19501952 - The only premeds I get during my weekly taxol treatments now is Pepcid. It helps with reactions but also with reflux. Heartburn and reflux can be pretty common for different chemos. My MO told me that it’s ok to take Tums or Zantac or Pepcid if I continue to have issues during the week. So far I’ve been lucky to avoid nausea but the heartburn and reflux has got me a few times.

    Toni - Welcome to the group and I’m sorry to hear this isn’t your first fight. I do not have experience with TC or AC but I can tell you that everyone’s experience seems to be a bit different. I’ve heard from some people that Taxol was a walk in the park compared to AC while others had the complete opposite experience. The only thing certain is that the unknown and anticipation sucks. BUT you’re in good company. :) These ladies will share some good advice and lend an ear when you need them.

    I had a funny conversation with a couple of 6 year olds today. I picked my daughter up from school and she came running up with a couple of her friends. One of them is from her Girl Scout troop so I know her pretty well and the other is a little boy from her class. They both asked is they could see my bald head. I said sure and took off my hat. The little boy’s eyes were huge and he asked me it my daughter really shaved my head. When I said that yes she had helped, they both gasped and said wow that’s so cool! Then they ran off like it was nothing. But my kid was so proud that her friends thought it was cool that she got to help shave her mom’s head.

  • Mom4gma3
    Mom4gma3 Member Posts: 123
    edited December 2017

    19501952- I had horrible reflux, and that’s a symptom Thad didn’t go away, it got better but was still there. I was taking Zantac but it didn’t give relief for very long, I switched to Prilosec and it’s been gone ever since. Prilosec is just 1 time a day so for those of us that are pill heavy, I prefer less pills.

    Tina

  • Blair2
    Blair2 Member Posts: 353
    edited December 2017

    I’m going to set up an appointment next week to have my hairdresser cut my hair into a boy cut. (If you all ever watched Stranger Things on Netflix, I want Eleven’s haircut). My hairdresser is going out of town the 21st, so this timing is so messed up. I went to my little party last night and talked to a person who went through chemo a little over a year ago. She was a triple negative and she said her hair came out about the second treatment time. I thought about just buying an electric raizer, but it’s probably hard to do it on your own. I have a good back mirror, but I don’t think I could do this on my own very well emotionally.

    My back pain seems a little better this morning. Can’t find anything much about chemo causing back pain, - must be rare like the down below issue? Tylenol did not take the pain away, not Claritin, not heat or cold. I tried to stretch - will try a floor way as Rljes suggested. I did take Aleve, but I have to be careful with NSIDs due to being on blood thinners. I don’t know if it helped or not last night. Hope this side effect isn’t consistent- definitely going to complain to my oncologist about it.

    Oh what fun we are having, but glad we are a sisterhood here! The photo us myself and Lynn discussing chemo whoas at the party.

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  • mkn86
    mkn86 Member Posts: 129
    edited December 2017

    hey everyone just checking in. i have finished dose 6 of 12 taxol + carbo today. and overall 8 infusions out of 15. this is officially my halfway point i feel so proud. :)

    hope99, for constipation i eat prunes and fig newtons and i keep eating fruits and food high in fiber. :) My MO gave me medicine (laxative) for constipation but i have not yet felt the need to take it.

    frozentoes, i love the story about your daughter.

    rljes, any plans of shaving? i got a wig but never used it so far. and i ended up not shaving because i was curious to see exactly how much hair will be left throughout chemo. weird i know. or i say “i have zero plans of getting cancer again so this is my only chance to find out”. it takes a lot of naivete to be idealistic i suppose. :) these day i wear beanies and hats.

    blair, post a photo once you get the haircut. :) sounds exciting to have eleven’s hairdo!

    noticed that my eyebrows have thinned significantly. my lower lashes are gone. my nose hair... nothing when i empty out my drippy nose haha! oddly the eyebrows and lashes don’t bother me so much.

    some days i get lower back pains not as a side effect but for limited movement because of all the lying down and sitting down. i try to stretch that out evenings and mornings. :) losing weight to the point that i’m being told to eat more. lost 11kg since diagnosis in august.

    To everyone, no matter what stage of your treatment please do something nice for yourself for completing that infusion. something small that makes you feel good. be proud of every single step you have accomplished.

    i am off to try and sleep (hopped up on steroids from today’s infusion. keeps me awake for about 24+ hours straight) and ride out the upcoming side effects.

    I am always rooting for everyone. :)

  • klvans
    klvans Member Posts: 199
    edited December 2017

    I also started chemo in November. I am doing 4 rounds of TC at three week intervals. My second round is Dec 21st so Christmas will be a quiet event this year. I am cold capping using Penguin Cold Caps. I find cold capping very challenging. For my first round of chemo I felt ill the first 6 days and suddenly human again on the 7th. I miss my old life.

    I admire all of the women on this forum, especially those who are working or caring for children while going through chemo. And many thanks to those who posted suggestions and pictures of their pets. It all helps. Healing thoughts to everyone.

  • Blair2
    Blair2 Member Posts: 353
    edited December 2017

    Mkn86 - I admire your having to go through so many treatments, - I don’t think I could handle it. You are surely an inspiration for the rest of us. You are a strong person as many others here going through this hell.

    Kivans - I’m on the same regime- my second dose is 22nd (would have been 21st, but my friend wanted to take me and that was her day off, so I moved it up a day,) I too will be sick for Christmas. But we will have healthier ones in future!

    Well girls, my hair is finally coming out as I stroke it, or slightly pull it. Thus is Day 13 after treatment one. So I get it shaved tomorrow at 4:45 pm. Bringing my wig - oh - won’t be pretty. I’ll see about the Eleven haircut - might be better just to shave it all off clean. BTW - I’m not into science fiction movies much, but I really enjoyed Stranger Things (which is where the character “Eleven” comes in.) The cast was great and the episodes just kept you wondering what was to happen next. Takes place in 1984 - kids were so funny. When I went to visit my daughter this year, she introduced it to me and I couldn’t wait for the second series to come out this last October

    Have a good day - hang in there wherever you are!

  • rljes
    rljes Member Posts: 499
    edited December 2017

    Hi everyone - Day #17   Going - Going - Gone 

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    I had my little breakdown last night from my hair falling out, and I'm over it.  I cut it soo short (don't have a shaver) my head hurts. Hair droppings everywhere.  Trying not to stop up the sink with hair.  I can't wait till I'm BALD!  Little Tired today - but I must go out and finish shopping. Then I can rest up for Round #2 on Tuesday. 

    Like Klvans - (Welcome!)  I will have a quiet Christmas.  I have a nephew flying in and he is always sick - so I'm staying home. 

    1950-52 - I take Prilosec for acid reflux, (don't lay down after eating) but what really give immediate relief is GAS X - paper thin mint that dissolves in your mouth.  When you take Compazine, I was told to take Ativan with it - every 6 hours.  I did, and never had any nausea. Prevention! 

    Blair - pretty Christmas décor - I have "Stranger Things' downloaded on Netflix to watch #1 episode when I go to Chemo on Tuesday.  I will look for Eleven. 

    mkn86 - Shaving... Well, a little late.  Took my scissors and went to town. I am so tempted to go to a professional barber and get a razor shave.  Take my chances. 

    Frozentoes - Out of the mouth of babes.  Remember the TV show "Kids say the darndest things by Art Linkletter? 

    Meowmmy - My 3 best friends were going to have a head shaving party - and they were so relieved that I insisted they NOT shave Their heads!   I have CBD OIL.  I'm not sure its working - because I take so much other stuff (oils, pain meds, pre-meds ect....) Plz let me know how it goes for you.

    Lizabeth - i grew up with Dachshunds - :) 

    Emalyn - How are you doing on Day #3? 

    Welcome Toni Faith! 

    Take care all 



  • magari
    magari Member Posts: 335
    edited December 2017

    Day 17 - My scalp was very itchy yesterday and today was my biggest shed yet - by far. So although I'm cold capping, I seem to be on the same hair loss schedule as most of you. We shall see how it goes....

    My skin has suddenly become extremely dry and itchy as well. I am thus trying to taker shorter, cooler showers (though a long hot shower is one of my greatest pleasures) and using both body oil and a very rich body lotion immediately afterwards. Also applying far more facial moisturizer than I've ever used before.

    Re reflux - I too had this after my first infusion, which my MO said is a pretty common side effect. Tums did nothing to help so I was given a prescription for generic Prilosec to take once a day and it's worked wonders.

    Having a couple of girlfriends who'll be helping me cap at upcoming chemo sessions over for a "team training" lunch tomorrow. Good motivation to finish decorating my tree and do some house cleaning today.

    klevans - Welcome. I join you in admiration for those who are working and/or caring for children during this process. As well as missing my old life. I don't think there's a single woman here who doesn't.

    mkn86 - Congrats on being halfway through! You absolutely deserve to be proud of yourself for that!

    My family had two dachshunds when I was little - Heidi and Nils. Then a beagle mix, and several black lab/golden retriever mixes. Attached is a photo of our current sweet old man.

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  • Mom4gma3
    Mom4gma3 Member Posts: 123
    edited December 2017

    Well I keep chickening out on cutting it short, it’s shedding something fierce, almost took the scissors to it after my shower. I think Sunday will be the day I will just take the clippers to it. I have a Christmas party tomorrow and tickets to the new Star Wars on Saturday, so hoping I can stand it that long.

    Klvans- welcome. You are on the same schedule as me and Blair2, my second treatment is the 20th.

    Tina

  • mkn86
    mkn86 Member Posts: 129
    edited December 2017

    blair and magari, thank you! :) i actually had a big box of flavored french fries with my brothers to celebrate :) completely bad for me with the powdered seasoning but meh! and i could taste it properly! YAY!

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    rljes... whoops. trade you a few photos :) this one taken 5 days after my hairfall started. I cried too because i knew it was the final and most obvious sign that i was officially getting treatment for cancer.

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    And my beanie and a photo of me with the remaining hair because my curiosity truly got the better of me. so from the photo above, i never really got it shaved and some strands decided to hold on for dear life and grow. And my thinning eyebrows.

    <photo removed>

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    My friends say my head shape is pretty goodto go skinhead. i'll think about it. And of course so that we have happy thoughts at the end of my post, here's the family dog and his boopy nose:


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    and still sleep will not come... so my saga continues of trying! :)



  • nonahope
    nonahope Member Posts: 695
    edited December 2017

    Toni...Welcome! Lots of love and support on this board. I wish you nothing but the best!

    1950-1952...I've escaped the acid reflux, but I know it's been mentioned a lot on the board.

    Frozentoes...Aren't kids the greatest??? Such a cute story!

    Blair...How nice to talk with someone who's been through all this. Glad you enjoyed the party...cute picture!
    My grandson has been hounding me to watch Stranger Things. I haven't yet, but it's on my list.

    mkn86....I shaved my head the first time around. I'm kind of like you this time. I am curious to see if "any" stays on my head....it's a sight to see!!

    Kivans...Welcome! We are with you on your journey.

    rjls...We know the day is coming with the hair loss, but it doesn't make it any easier. I do love my wigs, but only wear them if I'm going out somewhere.

    Magari...Your "sweet old man" looks mighty comfortable. Good luck with the cold capping.

    Well, my ultrasound was painless....now, I'm just hoping the results will be painless. Thanks for the support!!

    Hope

  • nonahope
    nonahope Member Posts: 695
    edited December 2017

    mkn...just saw your pictures! Too cute!! Both you and your family dog. I love seeing these pictures.

    Hope

  • 19501952
    19501952 Member Posts: 80
    edited December 2017

    Hi Everybody,

    Thanks so much for all the information about reflux. It's so great to have a fear and then hear other people have and are experiencing the same thing. I called my oncologist and got a script for Rinitidine (zantac). I'm picking it up on my way home. My very big family and extended family are coming to celebrate Christmas this weekend. We have hosted dinner for the past 20 Year's but this year we made reservations to eat out. My niece lives right down the road from us and she has jumped right in to handle all the arrangements and she will host our gift exchange and do the planning for the weekend. We decided to celebrate before the holiday this year and made some plans prior to my diagnosis. Who knew we would be getting ready for my second round of chemo on the 27th instead of doing something fun. My heart goes out to all of you as you talk about your children and your family and your lives. The dog pictures are great! We have a 14 year old white schnauzer, Snow Flake, and an 8 year old white schnoodle (Schnauzer poodle ) named Casper. I’ll post a picture at some point. All the best to everyone and thanks again for alleviating my reflux fears. Kate.




  • lizabethm
    lizabethm Member Posts: 105
    edited December 2017

    Just popping on to say "Hello" to all you girlies.

    I am nine days past my second infusion and starting to feel "kinda normal" again. I had some serious bone pain Monday, so much so that my husband called the oncologist and got a pain script for it and it helped A LOT! So, if you have bone pain that the claritin and other things aren't helping, don't suffer, ask for something stronger.

    I was reading through all your posts and you women are truly remarkable! I mean that wholeheartedly, you are facing a ginormous "speed bump" but handling it with such grace. I am grateful for this forum to be able to come and share with you ladies who are in the trenches along with me.

    M~WAH!!

  • Hope99
    Hope99 Member Posts: 120
    edited December 2017

    hello ladies, this is my 5th days with constipation, its horrible, I did and ate everything to avoid it but with no result, in fact I feel scary when I checked that area, I had small Hemorrhoid, when I checked again, its looks like I have something bigger inside, big C kick me to imagine bad things in that area, its normal to stay away from bathroom more than 5 days?

    can I use fleet enema "injection in anus" to open channel?

  • Blair2
    Blair2 Member Posts: 353
    edited December 2017

    Hope99 - I think the popular laxative is Miralax. I wouldn't take the full dose at first. As far as internal problems, best to discuss those concerns with your doctor. Hope you straighten out soon!

    LizabethM - that was good you were able to get a better pain medication with the bone pain.

    Rljes - that hat on you is so cute! If you cut your hair by scissors alone - you did a good job. I couldn't manage my own hair like that. It would look all chopped up and in different lenghths.

    Margari - My skin is very dry too. Cold weather makes it worse. That is a sweet photo of your dog - just want to hug him!

    Mom4gma3 - I can understand how it's so hard to let go of your long hair. I'm sure you must think of the length of time it will take to grow back, and even with my short chin length hair - that bothers me thinking about it, but it will grow back. It will just take patience - I know - our patience is about run out with this whole dang mess. I'm probably not making you feel much better, just know you're not alone on this. You'll still be gorgeous regardless what stage your hair is in!

    Mkn86 - You look fab bald! You younger girls definitely have a plus side when it comes to losing hair. Cute nose on your dog too!

    Toni/Faith - Welcome here - looks like you have the same treatment as mine.

    Frozentoes - That was a cute story about the kids checking your baldness. It would have made me feel better, because if it were to freak them out - they would have just said so! So you have been officially accepted into the world of baldness! (It's actually a cool look now).

    Nonahope- Still wishing the best outcome for liver results. The waiting for test results can drive one crazy - it does me every time.

    Meowmmy65 - hope you're hanging in there and beginning to feel better

    19501952 - sorry your anti-nausea pills didn't work. The reflux problem is common I think for a lot of people. Hope you can get these problems under control

    Well - my hair is falling out by barely touching it now. This is Day 15 for me. Yesterday it seemed to be coming off the back, but this morning it comes out all over. My appointment is this afternoon- goodbye hair. I will hate myself bald - I don't think I could bare a photo of me that way - I'd scare you all away from here for sure! My back seems to be better in the morning and as the day progresses, it really starts to bother me. This is not a typical side effect, so I'm calling my doctor today about the ongoing pain. I think the muscles are contracting and I feel as if I need to be pulled from head to toe outwards. I tried stretching, but it's as if my torsel doesn't want to stretch.


  • nonahope
    nonahope Member Posts: 695
    edited December 2017

    Good morning...

    Blair...Let us know how it goes at the hairdresser's. Will she/he buzz it in a private room or at the regular station? That was my fear for not going to the hairdresser - I didn't want to have people staring at me.
    Glad you are calling about the back pain. It seems to have gone on long enough.

    No word yet about my ultrasound results. They said it would be read yesterday and a report sent to my oncologist. But, as I was leaving and sitting in my car, I recall she said something about Epic -- which is the system that my onco's office used to use, but they switched to another server a few months ago. So, who knows when he might get the report. Oh well, I have my chemo infusion next Thursday so I'll find out then, if not before. I'm feeling fine, so I'm not going to dwell on it.

    Have a great day, ladies! And TGIF for you working gals!

    Hope

  • klvans
    klvans Member Posts: 199
    edited December 2017

    Hello Everyone.

    rjes We're all entitled to our little breakdowns. Yesterday I cried for no reason. For the record, you have very pretty eyes.

    Blair2 Nice to meet someone on the same schedule. Hurrah to the healthier Christmases of the future! I hope the buzz cut turns out ok and that your back gets better.

    Magari Thank you for the welcome. I'm also cold capping. I find the discomfort of it challenging but I will stick with it. Hope the "team training" went well and love your "sweet old man."

    Mom4gma3 Hi Tina. Thank you for your welcome. It's good to meet someone else on the same schedule. Going to Star Wars sounds fun.

    nonahope Thank you for the welcome. Along with everyone else hoping for good results on your sonogram.

    Hope99 I hope your constipation resolves; it can be so uncomfortable.

    A happy Friday to everyone. I hope to enjoy getting out a bit before my next infusion next week. I both dread it and look forward to getting one more done.


  • rljes
    rljes Member Posts: 499
    edited December 2017

    Hey!  Day #18/ 
    I called my hairdresser, she said to come on in - she will shave my head (hari is 1/8" now) Shave it down as smooth as a baby's butt.  I'm EXCITED!   Can't go today - took some Marilax last night - so I had better stick close to home till it works.  NEXT #2 Chemo round - I will prepare for the Big C.  (I was expecting the Big D)
       Strange - I have No More HOT Flashes.  I was having them all night long - drenched in sweat - then chemo started and nothing. Huh. (not complaining!) 
        I baked Kale Chips for the very first time yesterday.  they came out a little krispy - almost burnt, but I'll know next time.  they weren't bad at all.  I really like baked zuccihinni and squash too. (and chocolate and all the junk foods :) 

    mkn86 - oh my goodness what great photos.  My what a big nose your pup has :) 

    Hope99 - Most of us have Constipation I think.  I went 5 days, had cramping, bloating, gas, it was awful, painful. took Marilax twice and then had (excuse me) explosive diarrhea. From the beginning I was thinking I would have Diarrhea. So next Round I will plan from the beginning for The Big C. 

    Blair - how about a chiropractor for your back?  They can work wonders, plus massage therapy to get those muscles loose.  I used to go all the time.  I need to start up again.  (My health Insurance paid 100%) so I have no excuse. 

    Take care everyone!


  • SDK8
    SDK8 Member Posts: 18
    edited December 2017

    @meowmmy - I asked my nurse about the itchy below area. She told me it can be caused by pushing the steroid throgh you port / vein to fast.

    @Magari - I had some mouth sores start. I used the biotin mouthspray, rinse with salt and water and used biotin toothpaste. Knock on woo they are gone for good. :)

    @ Blair2 - I have same problem. Even Yoga isn't helping. I was to get a Tetter Hangup for my bedroom! or find a chirpractor who will let me use their for awhile. I will let you know what I end up doing. ;)

    Right now I am at Clinic getting my second round of Red Devil. Some bone pain in hips and shoulder - but I am happy to feel it. It means my bones are producing marrow to help my white blood cells. Claritin didnt help me, I take advil 800 and a heating pad. Nausea Hair started coming out in clumps yesterday. This morning my straightener too out more. My husband is shaving my head tomorrow. i am excited to try my new wigs. I always wanted short hair, like PINK or other celebrities, but lacked the nerve to change. I will embrace this change and look forward to rocking the new bald then short cuts!

    Prayer, Positive thoughts to all you ladies!Heart

  • klvans
    klvans Member Posts: 199
    edited December 2017

    SDK8 Good luck with your second round of Red Devil. I admire your positive attitude about embracing change (I'm a fan of Pink). I could use more of that outlook. Biotin helped me eliminate some mouth sores pretty quickly. I hope you have a restful weekend.

  • nonahope
    nonahope Member Posts: 695
    edited December 2017

    rljes...I baked kale chips once. They were ok, but never made them again.

    SDK8...Good luck with Round 2. I love my wigs. They look so much better than my fine, thin hair that I "used" to have..LOL

    Well, I haven't actually "heard" (via phone call) from my oncology office regarding results of my ultrasound. However, I did get an e-mail from the patient portal. Call me crazy, but I'm not opening it. I don't want to see any bad news. So, if I don't hear from them before I have chemo next Thursday, I will find out then. Meanwhile, I will choose to continue to feel good and not worry.

    Time to think about dinner...I think it will be salmon tonight.

    Hope

  • Blair2
    Blair2 Member Posts: 353
    edited December 2017

    Day 15 - My hair got buzzed off and I look like a little old man! I don’t recognize myself at all. Oh! I braved the hairdressers thinking everyone would be starring at me, but nobody seemed to care. I was pleasantly surprised. My hairdresser Lisa, has done it a lot, so it was no big deal to her. I just laughed at myself, but I’m glad I got it off. It was really falling out as I ran my fingers through it and my bathroom trash can was full of hair that I swept off the floor just this morning. It was spooky to see this happen, and I wouldn’t want it to look patched if I had let go on any longer. I brought my wig and Lisa trimmed it up to fit better. It’s so much thicker than my real hair was. I’m going to let my gray hair grow in naturally this spring. We will look like the Pink girls. (I’ll be the wrinkled old Pink that looks like a man!)

    For my back muscle spasms, my doctor called a prescription in called cyclobenzaprine - a muscle relaxant. I’m not to take lorazepam with it and because it causes grogginess - not to drive. I just took one as I’m about to go to bed. I will not try and get up tonight as I don’t want to collapse again and bust my lip. That wouldn’t be too cool to do that again. I never took so many different drugs as I have since I was diagnosed with BC

    Sounds like we are all taking this ride day by day with great adventures- diarrhea and the big C seems to be on the popularity list. It is hard to know what to eat either way because you don’t know what your body wants to do. I haven’t had mouth sores yet, no neuropathy, no mouth dryness and my system for now is functioning normally. Still somewhat tired, but not as bad as last week. Just these awful back aches which isn’t that common apparently as a chemo side effect. It gets worse at night for some reason.

    SDK8 - if your back still bothers you see if your doctor could prescribe a muscle relaxant. I’ll let you know if it works. It’s a cheap drug.

  • Jeremiah29-11
    Jeremiah29-11 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2017

    Hi, ladies! My second round is next week. First round was, well, almost without side effects, which I thank God for. Fatigue and appetite and angry bowels, but not unbearable.

    Because I'm a control freak, I wanted to do something in addition to the nausea meds. I got the Relief Band (a device you wear like a wrist watch) and I think it was helpful. It sends a signal from your wrist to your stomach that controls nausea and you can wear it all the time. The zofran was hard on my bowels so on a hunch I stopped zofran and used the Relief Band watch thing and I was totally fine. The band was the only thing I was on for nausea.... seriously. You can find it on Amazon for like $70. ("New ReliefBand for Motion & Morning Sickness")

    I use Claritin-D 12 hour and I had like almost zero bone pain. I know some people don't do the "D" but some book recommended "D" and I'm chicken to change since it worked!

    My hair is gone already which was hard but I'm pushing myself to just be me and go head-naked. :) I'm 42 and these chemo-menopause hot flashes are a lot easier to tolerate with no hair, ironically.

    Hope this is helpful to anyone!

  • Mom4gma3
    Mom4gma3 Member Posts: 123
    edited December 2017

    blair2- you are so much braver when it comes to the hair, I am still holding out but it is really annoying unless I braid it or keep it pulled up. I am sure you don’t look like a little old man, it just takes some getting used to. Get some cute girlie head covers! Praying the muscle relaxant works for your back pain.

    Gloria-Jeremiah29-11- welcome! I may look at that band later after the holidays. It might help while I’m working.

    I don’t have to deal with the hot flashes since I had a total hysterectomy back in 2009 when I was 37, but I remember how bad they were back then. I didn’t get the hormone replacement therapy because I heard it increased your risk for cancer...hmm go figure. There is an over the counter med called I-Cool that I used every time the hot flashes got bad and it actually worked wonderfully. Maybe check with MO if it can be taken.

    Cycle 2 is Wednesday, fingers crossed that I don’t have to call out work next week and the following week. We are back in the 70’s here, getting out this weekend to enjoy this beautiful weather before it gets cold again.

    Tina.

  • Blair2
    Blair2 Member Posts: 353
    edited December 2017

    Welcome Gloria J - That's very interesting about the relief band. I didn’t know they existed. I was given 3 different anti nausea pills, and kept alternating them, but they all kept my nausea away. I think I’ll stretch the time out between them when taking them after my second round next Friday,

    Mom4gma3- I’m enjoying the weather too, but we’re suppose to get cloudy again.

    That muscle relaxer didn’t do dittily squat! I’m so disappointed. It made me sleep good, but I kept waking up with my back pulling at me and couldn’t get in a comfy position. Sure enough I had to take my time getting out of bed and now sitting here again with my Dr, Scholl’s back messager (and coffee) stiff as a board. I can’t deal with this for weeks. It’s strange it took a week before I got this side effect. I’ll have to wait til Monday to complain again. This doesn’t seem right at all. I think i’m back to taking Tylenol. Errrrrg

    Today is my first real bald day. It will be strange wearing wigs and scarves!

  • nonahope
    nonahope Member Posts: 695
    edited December 2017

    Good morning...

    Blair...Do you think your back problem can be from your fall? Have you had x-rays taken? I think I would move in that direction.

    Gloria...Welcome. Hoping your next round will treat you just as kindly as the first. That device sounds interesting.

    Tina...Wishing you the best for your next treatment. Yes! Enjoy that warm weather.

    Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

    Hope