Starting Chemotherapy March 2018
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Hello Ladies,
I've completed round 3 last Thursday. One more and then I am onto Taxol for 12 weeks. I can't wait to be done with AC. Glad to hear everyone is doing so well. Love the pictures. -Renee
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Hey Warrior Women,
I've got the yuckies. My weekends seem to be post steroid crash and cry. My infusions are on Thursdays and I don't sleep at all that night, but some on Friday. The weekend consisted of me feeling emotional and like a truck hit me, along with a nasty headache and sensitive tummy. Soon as my energy started to get better and I thought the worst was over, I got smacked with the Big D last night and today. I have leg pains, which typically go away if I go for a walk or exercise, but don't have the energy for that and need to stay close to the bathroom. Immodium lead to major constipation for days last time, so trying to see if I can go without, but heading to work so may have to give in. I'm not happy that my bad days are increasing in number.
My hair is shedding like crazy and my scalp is showing so not going out in public without a hat or scarf. My eyebrows started to hurt, so I wonder if those are going next.
Glad most of you are in better spirits than I am today. Stay well you Mama's with sick little one's, and the rest of you as well.
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I notice that a lot of us seem to be having problems sleeping. I have been sleeping really well. Here is what I do and what was recommended. I take my second dose of steroids before dinner. Then at around 11pm I have a snack so I don't get hungry over night (I feel yucky if I let myself get hungry). I then take an ativan with a zantac. The Ativan knocks me out and I sleep like a baby. I do that for 4 nights starting day of chemo. The rest on the nights I try not to take Ativan, unless I get anxiety. The sleep has been wonderful and probably helped keep the anxiety at bay.
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Bec-ky I'm on FB and am posting a lot about my journey...I'm very open about it. I will add you next time I'm on! Mine is under Stephanie Riggs Maguire.
I was also wondering about quiltingnut the other day...hopefully she's feeling so good and been so busy she hasn't had time to post 😊 There are 1-2 others I haven't seen in awhile but can't remember their names at the moment.
2002chickadee—ugh stomach flus are the worst aren’t they? It went through our house back in December. I hope your little one is feeling better and that you don’t catch it! This cold sure is lingering but I don't feel bad so hopefully I'll be good to go for Thursday. My hair (or what's left of it) is definitely NOT sticking around and I have a feeling I'll be rocking the shiny bald head within the next few days. My wig is getting a lot of use at work but I take it off the moment I walk through the door
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Downdoggie, are you taking Zofran for nauses? I was taken off of it bcuz I got headaches after my infusion. Called my doctor and they switched me to Kytril. Just a thought. Rest and drink plenty of fluids, electrolytes are improtant..We all have are up and downs days. I noticed after Chemo I was emotional and crying not sure if it was bcuz I just went thru Infusion or bcuz I was scared. I'm here for you..hugs
Why do we need to take the steriods? I didn't the first time and wonder what the difference would be.
Does anyone remember how long til surgical tape comes of the port incision? Mine has been on for 14 days without appearing like its coming off..
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Hey ladies ,have you encounter Acnes? I have breakouts specially on my head huhuhu and hair starting to fall out.
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That's good to hear Bec-ky can I add you on FB? Analyn Savila is my FB.
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That's good to hear Bec-ky can I add you on FB? Analyn Savila is my FB.
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Steph and yang.... I added you both on fb ❤️
Urdrago- I was told it was for allergic reactions? (steroids)
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urdrago71, thanks for your support. I'm not taking Zofran. My steroids (Decadrone) are to minimize reactions to taxol. I also take Pepcid and Zurtex an hour before. My port tape stayed on a couple of weeks too. When they scrubbed to use the port, one came off. Mine sticks out more than I thought it would.
Tlow990, Ativan is a great idea for sleep on steroid nights. I wonder if they will give it to me
Yang Sangst, yes, I have bad acne now! It's all over my face! Balding with acne is not cute.
Becky, is there a private FB discussion or are you all going full public? I posted my diagnosis weeks ago, but not sharing details on there.
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Downdoggie Are you taking a probiotic supplement at all? I was told to take probiotics, fish oil and vitamin D and I have been taking it daily except for a couple days after each infusion when I just couldn't choke them down. I forgot to restart them this cycle until a couple days ago and have been having major problems with the Big D compared to last round. I have taken the probiotic two days in a row and the trips to the bathroom have almost completely stopped. Worth a try! I hope you are feeling much better today. I find that when I get around day 4 or 5 and I just feel awful that I start to feel very down. When I feel better I get my hope back, but its okay to let yourself feel down and frustrated sometimes. This is a really, really hard thing to go through.
I'm off to see my Primary Doc this morning because I have a couple of blisters on my arm and leg that might be staph...ugh.
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Hi ladies - checking in on Day 6 of TC #3. Sorry to hear of some of the issues with neuropathy, big D and sleep issues! I also have been wondering about Quiltingnut, hope she's OK!!
SE's this time around a bit different - less immediate skin issues (wonder if you get used to it), but still had C, then D, then C - so one never knows what to take next! I have not had sleep issues, but I take my steroids (pre-day, chemo day and Day 1) early in the evening. I was told my Decadron is to help with nausea, to help prevent swelling/water retention, and to provide energy after. Now just taking my continuing Claritin - will do through Day 10 again in the hope of avoiding the back spasms. Less "ick" this time on my usual bad days - still extremely tired but really not quite as otherworldly.
Hit a really low point yesterday - not sure what kicked it but suddenly the hair loss, the inability to do certain things, the obsessiveness with avoiding germs, and almost feeling left behind suddenly all added up. My husband and I own our business and he's been on the road a lot for travel - and while a year ago I would have laughed if you told me I would miss it, now I am realizing I kind of do. Working from home isn't the same. Unfortunately no business close enough to drive and my onco was pretty adamant about no air travel during chemo (which I do get...). I had a great set of pinch hitters for my chemo team last week so I am extremely grateful, but sometimes despite all the support we get from friends, family, etc., this can feel a little like a solitary journey. Thankful for all of you.
Respect for all those sharing their story on FB. I am on it but not really active, and I did not post anything on it about my bc. Maybe once the last chemo is done (May 3rd if all goes well). Already starting to learn about radiation, more to worry about!
Going to try and turn the funk around today - maybe plan a little local getaway. Wishing everyone a wonderful Tuesday.
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I now have a bald spot on top of my head and hair is still coming out by the handful. I don't think cold capping is working for me.
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Oh no, how disappointing, I'm sorry hapa
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hapa- me too, as of yesterday when I had the big shed. I’m still shedding today but Not like yesterday. I know it's discouraging, but I was told by many woman that the first big shed is the worst. After that it's less. Also cold capping seems to help the hair come back faster....I will continue regardless of the bald spot on the top of my head. For now I will just comb hair over it to hide it and use toppix which was also recommended.
Next infusion Thursday, I will make sure the cap has full contact with the top of my head.
Also, remember, keeping 50-65% of your hair is considered a success....
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May07 - yeah, the whole not washing my hair thing isn't working out very well for me. I like to run, which means I get sweaty, which means not washing is pretty much a no-go. I'm going to cold cap again tomorrow, but I also ordered two buffs on Amazon which should show up tonight. If I keep shedding, a comb-over isn't going to cut it. And not running is kind of out of the question. I just wind up all anxious and depressed.
One thing I don't understand about cold-capping: Is the hair that comes out when I comb it going to come out sooner or later? Or does it eventually re-root if I don't pull it out? If it's the latter, then I may just be messing with it too much.
Ugh, I'm really dreading my mastectomy. After six weeks of not running, I'm going to be convinced death is imminent regardless of what the doctors have to say.
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hapa- the mastectomy wasn’t that bad for me, the drains are a pain in the ass, but once they are out it’s better...running would probably need to be put on hold...but you can walk...and meditate
Only complaint I had about the mastectomy was that I had to sleep on my back..
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Dowbdoggie: My don't seem to hesitate to give a prescription for Ativan. I think with this diagnosis we are all anxious. I am super careful taking it and only take when absolutely needed (days 1-4 and if really anxious). I hope it helps!
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Hapa, i’m Sorry you are having a tough time, sending positive vibes your way. I have my second TCH chemo tomorrow. I also have been thinabout Quiltingnut, hope all is well with her. Take care of yourselves, ladies, we are all strong and moving forward.
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Hope all of you headed in for next round this week are feeling well. I am trying to make the most of this "good week" before next round on the 25th. Bec-Ky - I love the haircut! it does make you look fierce! and Kanona - your short curls are way cute! I feel in some ways, the thought of losing my hair was much worse than actually losing it. I am surprised how cold my head is...if spring would ever get here it would be nice. I got a wig, but haven't worn it to work yet. So far, I don't mind the hats. Hapa - I am so impressed that you are continuing to run. I don't know if it is from being less active, or the steroids, but I feel I am so much weaker - my quads are shaky when going down stairs, and I get so out of breath easily. I am trying to exercise a little more when I am feeling better. My port is in an inconvenient place - there is no bra that doesn't rub on it. Elliptical and walking are about all I can manage. I was relieved my echo was OK, and no bad effects from the herceptin.
I noticed some paresthesias in my left hand after the first treatment - it is mainly fingertips, and sometimes it is worse than others. I do notice I wake with more numbness during the night, but it mostly goes away with repositioning. My MO told me to take 200 mg of B6 3 x a day, but I will add fish oil as well. I just get so tired of swallowing pills. Is this my new normal?
I got terrible acne on my chest after first round, but didn't after the 2nd. Less night sweats. Next period is due in a few days, I certainly wouldn't mind if those went away.
I am on facebook as Connie Novak. I did put it out there by changing my profile pic. I live in a small town and the rumors were flying, so I figured it was better to just be open about it. If I motivate 1 woman to not put off her mammogram, it's worth it.
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Hey y’all! I’m so sorry I haven’t posted in awhile. Once i started feeling better I think I kinda wanted to play like I was normal. Silly isn’t it? Thank you all for thinking about me. My head has bald spots all over. time for me to go bald with the clippers I think. My next round is tomorrow and I’m certainly not looking forward to it. I’m going to ask my doctor about the Ativan also as I didn’t sleep much the first week after round one. I’m also going to see if he can switch the zofran with something else as that gave me terrible headaches. I hope everyone is doing well and good luck to everyone doing their next round. I’m sure I’ll be chiming in again soon with all my complaints lol. Who knows maybe it will be better this time. I can always hope
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Quiltingnut - I'm glad you're doing well. My next round is tomorrow too. I might adopt your tactic of pretending to be normal. It's not silly at all.
I have such anxiety lately, I don't know what to do about it. I'm giving myself headaches and my neck is so tense it hurts to swallow. My husband really tries but the things he says make me feel worse. I went trail running again today and just started crying in the middle of the desert. Then of course I had to blow my nose into my hands because I was in the middle of the desert and it's not like I can wipe it on a cactus. Oh well, at least I didn't get a handful of blood clots this time. I'm usually not an anxious person at all so I have pretty much no coping mechanisms for this. I need to look into meditation. Maybe I'll try current meditation this weekend.
I'm cold capping one more time, but I think I'm just going to give up on my hair. I think trying to keep it is causing more problems than it's solving. I'm an engineer so it's not like I'm judged on looks. And I kind of don't gaf if people stare. I was just hoping to hang onto my hair because I have a very finite number of years of non-gray hair left and I wanted to actually, you know, have hair for that.
Sigh. Deep breaths...
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Persnickety, I have to agree about the placement of the ports. My sport bras rub on it and the port skin gets irritated. I will happy when all the bursies go away. Seems like I'm always hitting that area accidentally through out the day. Trying to switch sides of my hug position so my granddaughters head stops hitting it.
Hapa- today was the first day I've began to notice more hair on my shirt. And when I run my hands thru it I notice hair in between my fingers a little.I could hear my self think, maybe I'm being paranoid! But in reality I'm just a little behind most of ya, with day 12. I started to cry this after as the facts start setting in. another change is just around the corner.
quiltingnut- glad to hear you're doing well. Have to rake advantage of all the wonderful days!,
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Hi everyone Thank God everyone is doing well even not totally well.
Just want to ask if there's anyone of you heard about natural way of treating cancer? I'm getting confused on some of this videos and link sent to survivors who choose natural way.
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Good luck to all. The ladies having chemo this week!
Quiltingnut.... Glad to see you!
HAPA-LOL AT THE NOSE AND CACTUS! 😂
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Sending best vibes and wishes to all having their next round of treatment today/this week! hapa hang in there - it is true we all have times when we just want to cry. Hugs, ladies - be strong warrior women!
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Like horrible magic, a couple of days ago.. I got my period. Here I thought I would not get it because of chemo and having my last period a few days before last chemo...... Meaning I had more time with chemo in my system To hopefully cancel this one!
Nope.
Like freaking clockwork.
Jerk.
One more hour though.... Headed to the cancer center for labs and my treatment! ❤️
Have a great day!
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good to see you, QuiltingNut. We are off for my treatment this morning but I wanted to show you the quilt I just completed.
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Wishing everyone a good week!! Quiltingnut, good to see you! Jstarling, beautiful work!
Off to treatment #2 tomorrow.....all I keep thinking is ...I will be 50% done...a countdown seems to help a little with the anxiety
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quiltingnut—happy you are well!
Becky—I’m in the same boat with the period..and not only did mine arrive right on schedule but it lasted 4 days longer than normal and was accompanied by headaches. Hopefully it was just having one last hurrah but we’ll see what happens next month..
Round #2 for me tomorrow as well. I’m looking forward to it as much as I’m dreading it! I like your way of calling it halfway done May07 😁👍
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