Chemo starting April 2018
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You all are so sweet with your encouraging words. I feel like I’ve read other women post that they felt like they had nothing going on hair-wise and then it kind of took off. I stopped wearing my ballcap at home a while ago so it’s really only when I’m out that my head is covered. For some reason I still have brows and lashes (now that I’ve said that I’ve probably jinxed it and they’ll all fall out tomorrow). I told my kids I’d send them a head picture every time I get Herceptin—hoping that with three weeks in between they’ll see some change. Next picture isn’t until a week from Friday—I’ll be seven weeks PFC at that point. I’m telling myself by the one after that (10 weeks) maybe I’ll have some real hair?
Life—I agree that it may be time to re-evaluate where you expend your energy. Nothing wrong with cutting yourself some slack as you grow older.
Deb—I may be headed in that direction too. ;-)
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DebAl, Life, and All the rest of this group, thank you for your continued support. The PS is pleased with how I'm recovering from the exchange/fat grafting surgery. As he told me the other day, "it takes time" both for the donor fat sites to heal and the implants to settle in.
InnaB and Life, great pics. Little kids and puppies are always cute and sure to bring a smile!
I'm 10 weeks PFC now and I do have brows and lashes growing back very well. Head hair is another story. I used Penguin cold caps and didn't see the success that so many others had. I've probably lost about 70% of my hair. I have new regrowth that's about 3" now, but it is completely white. So I have all this white at the front and sides and then the bits of my old brown on the back. I haven't decided if I feel more awkward with the wig or with my two-toned hair. I agree with you, Ingerp and Life, I am so over the baseball caps.
I know so many of you are now in rads, just had surgery, or are planning your surgeries. I wish you all the best as your course of treatment continues. And a Happy New Year to all that celebrate this holiday.
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hey gals and gent, happy Sunday and much needed cooler day. I did get the results finially and nothing new on CT scan. Good news! Got a pedicure and a few hours in with my kiddos. I too felt depressed and sick of the pain during nights when I want to sleep. I took benadryl to help me sleep last night, and got a few extra hours. Just trying to have enuff to keep moving thru the day with high hopes that soon I will be returning daily to the gym. I have my first work trip this week and am thankful to have a change in pace
Life. you look fabulous with ur hair coming back I actually tossed a ball cap and could feel normal with a little white hairs along the trim edge might be my new normal,"baseball caps".
I gave up the so more of my make up as the kids come over bcuz ive not been using eyeshadow or mascara since chemo..and it all goes bad anyways!
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LIFE - love your pic and the one of your pups! So glad you figured out how to post them. Wishing I had that much hair, lol. Re the Rachael Bland vlog/blog - soooo sad about her passing. I've read about her battle, but being triple negative myself, I try not to look at too many of the blogs about it. It's super-scary for me - I am even limiting time on the tnbc Facebook group I belong to because there seem to be 4 posts about recurrence for every post about survival. Good luck with your rads!
Ingerp - I'm with you on the hair. It would be nice to know when to expect it. The MO tolda me I'd lose it at 18 days after the first AC, now why can't he tell me I'll have it back by, say, 2 months PFC? I'm trying not to obsessively check for it (since I told you not to!), but I can't help it. It's coming...but slowly. Glad you're handling your rads okay.
Frog, hoping you're feeling better as you heal from surgery this week.
DebAL, I'll be interested to hear about your visit with the integrative physician. I don't really know much about it either.
Hugs to you all!
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Life/ Gawarrior. My eyes are filled with sadness as I read the blog. I feel that all of this journey has taught me to live life to the fullest. Laugh hard and love.. We all have different paths as we travel with each other..hugs
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Yep. It brought me to tears and fears. Gawarrior I need to step away as well. It is scary and your right. My SO told me after I started to cry that you're not going to hear very many positive stories out there because those people are out living their lives. You are going to hear about the ones that are coming back with reaccurance.
Yet the ones that I have encountered are sooo positive!
So I was not going to post it but my birthday is around the corner. 9/12. Who am I to stop Undrago posting eye candy. 😉
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Life. What do want for your birthday this year? And yes, I will dig up bday eye surprise. Haha
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Life, a few days early, but hope you have a very Happy Birthday! I can’t wait to see what Urdrago comes up with
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Life, a.k.a fellow Virgo, my birthday is September 19! This year I will be barely past the side effects on that day, so no big party. Plus, it’s going to be Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement. But I don’t care, as long as I know there will be no more chemo in a week
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Life, you look lovely. I have nothing going on, hair wise.
I have been doing okay pain wise. But my whole breast is bruised, is that common?
I spoke to my BS and she seemed quite concerned about it and wants to see me tomorrow. Now thats all I can think of. Was doing fine before.
DebAl, how did your appointment go. I am interested to know more about it
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Happy Early Birthday to the Virgos!
LIFE - love the hair - I'm at 4 weeks PFC tomorrow and just a few random grey hairs.
Radiation is going well. Today was #3/20 and Dr visit day and thankfully RO is referring me to PT for my arm. I was hoping it wasn't lymphedema but at least now maybe I'll learn how to deal with if it continues.
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I posted this over on the Weekly Taxol thread but I think I have some peach fuzz!! I've had these random long hairs (like an inch) and some that are about 1/4" but I think they're the ones that never fell out and they didn't appear to be growing. But I swear I can see/feel what seems like a tiny little bit of hair all over. I just wish it were darker so it was more visible. Duffyzmon--I'm 5.5 weeks PFC. Maybe yours will show up soon?? I'm anxious to get the next few days/week behind me and see if this actually takes hold and grows into real hair!!!
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Inna B and LIFE I'm a Virgo too! and I'm not just saying that to give urdrago more to do lol
Ingerp, great news on the hair and hopefully Duffy is right behind you. Maggie, the whole color thing is weird. I'm coming in pretty dark black. At first there was more gray but now just silver highlights. I'm getting it highlighted at the end of the month before a beach trip. I've already told my stylist she better not make me look like Justin Bieber. I've gotten a lot of compliments on the short hair. I think I'm to the point everyone thinks it's a short style. I officially put away my wig and scarves yesterday. I wish I could say never to be used again but I know better. I got a little emotional when I tucked everything out of sight in the top of a spare room closet and closed the door. Time will tell.
Frog, I hope your bruising is better and you are feeling ok. Engine I hope Janice is regaining her strength each day.
GAW, I'll let you know how the integrative medicine appt goes.
Duffy, I'm glad rads are going well. I went to PT for a few visits after mastectomy and will go for a few more visits after I'm cleared this Thursday from exchange surgery. It really does help.
Djt, batata, I hope you all are doing well.
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Hey girls,
I'm dropping in from the June chemo page. I have a question for those that have finished treatment, how long before you felt half way normal?
I had my last TC treatment 3 weeks ago, and I still feel a lot of fatigue. When I went to my onco today, she said all numbers were back to normal, and she said I "should start feeling better soon. Maybe I should try a hot bath."
I hate to sound negative, but I have NO energy. Everything I do leaves me feeling exhausted and my legs feel very tense all day, especially at night. I've tried a heating pad, OTC pain relievers, and even a prescription for pain, and nothing seems to work.
Have any of you had similar stories? I'd like to feel better before I starts rads in October.
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HELLO ALL!!!
Engine, so glad Janice is on a 3 month break and you can plan on seeing family for thanksgiving..you guys sure deserve it.
LIFE, you're awesome, hair is for sure coming in. I think that 4 wheeling and mountain air did wonders for you by that smile. Yes, a reassment of job, lifestyle, everything is a positive step to take. I'm making different choices as well. Love your doggies, so fun to enjoy their company outside. The rads went pretty good. (I post in the radiation August. thead in more detail) but I have an infection in armpit o n The lymph node scar I'm dealing with now.
Innab hahaha love it. That's me too, except that cutie has more on sides than I do.
Ingerp ....YEAH THE HAIR issue is so unfair. I have always had thin hair, and had no hope on it coming back at all, especially with the anastrazole hormone therapy. ALL these drugs cause or can cause thinning. But, i got a little (very little) brush cut going on!!! It's weird, because I also have some long stray hairs here and there too, maybe they were with the pre chemo me, and never left, idk!!! And yes, the hot weather makes it difficult for sure. Have faith, it will happen. I really rely on my wigs, and like to switch them out. But, we all want our hair back, darn It!!
Batata, hope things are improving for you, and your Taxol gets done very soon. I hope you can continue to take walks, i try that also, it's empowering, and helps keep energy up, mood up, and weight down. Don't beat yourself up over a little gain.
Urdrago, i think every part of us heals slower than "normal" people as our bodies have to cope with so very much. Thinking good thoughts for you on your tests.
GAW, i hope your powering through that last chemo, and on your way to feeling much better.
Frog, hope your healing up, and feeling better each day.
Libby..i had leg issues as you described and figured it was that i needed exercise or rest. One or the other...so i resumed walking and legs were much better. That was as just me tho, i hope you feel better soon.
I also, have trouble remembering each name here, and related state of conditions, but I think of you all as friends, and part of my life now. Also happy Jewish New Year to those who observe it, L'Shana Tova.and best to all.
👨👩👧👦👨👩👧👧👨👦👦👨👧👧👬👪💑
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Libby. I'm sorry you are feeling so tired. At 3 weeks that's totally normal. Remember all this chemo is cumulative so right now it would make total sense that you feel this way. Be sure you are staying hydrated and rest when you need to. Consider talking to your onc about vitamin supplements. B complex is one that comes to mind.
I was the exception to the rule and really didn't feel too fatigued. I still take a short nap everyday and I'm over 3 months out from chemo. When you do feel good, take advantage of the time. Otherwise just give yourself a break and a little more time. It will get better!! Drop in any time and congrats on being done with chemo!
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Thanks for the encouragement Deb and DJT.
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Hi DJT,
Thanks! She is supposed to go back to work on the first of October. Fortunately, she works three days a week from home, so that should help.
Still no fuzz yet. It's 5 weeks out from the last chemo now. How long did it take for most of you?
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DJt, oh my...did u talk to the PA or Suregeon about infection on armpit scar? Did they put u on antibotics since u have been thru chemo? And if u dont mind me asking do u have two scars? One from lumpectomy and one from Lymph nodes? I was reading ur profile and ur 6 months post LMX, I hope u heal soon.
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DJT- Sorry to hear about the infection. It makes me wonder if we should be using something like A&D ointment or Bacitern on the scars during radiation. I'm trying to be really good about using the moisturizer.
LibbyLouWho - I'm at 4 weeks and honestly everyday gets a little bit better. 2 weeks ago I was very depressed because I couldn't accomplish anything without collapsing. I've tried to make sure I walk a little bit everyday. I started with just a mile but I do think it is helping some.
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Frog, I read ur posting and partial mastectomy. Im guessing the concern wld be Hematoma. And we all get hematomas at some point in our normal life with an bad injury but they have to keep an eye on you make sure its draining properly. So glad they want to see you. Make sure u let's us know how ur doing after ur apt.. sending you good vibes..
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DJT. I just read your blog on starting radiation in August. Wow that sounds extremely painful! I also am using that first aid beauty cream after chemo because my skin was so dry it felt like pins and needles when I would get hot. Can I use that on my breast during radiation or do I have to use the cream they gave me? That stuff is awesome! I guess I can ask them tomorrow when I go in. LOL
Here's hoping that infection clears up fast and that the pain goes away and you can once and for all relax for a while.
Keep us tabbed on how you're doing!
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Undrago did you get your test results back yet?
Frog went to the doctor say about your bruising?
Libby I to experience leg issues, I am 10 weeks out and still am dealing with Charlie Horses once in awhile. I have discovered that if I put a pair of socks on that go up by my knees that tends to help. I also take magnesium when my legs are really tense as a magnesium is a natural body relaxer. Hope you get to feeling better soon. I'm 10 weeks out and I still tire out easily. Just started RADS last week.
Engine good news about Janice and being up to going back to work.
Duffy my radiation doctor referred me to a lymphedema specialist as well. I'm glad she did because now I know how to take care of my arm. Also I went to a little bit of physical therapy to get it a little stronger before I took off for my vacation. I think that helped a lot as well.
DebAl I too am very interested in this integrated medicine that you were checking into.
So the Virgos are ruling! 😎 Of course it is the month of September. Lol When is everyone's birthdays? Undrago your going to be one busy chick this month. 😉
Off to bed for me because radiation comes early in the morning and off to work I go after that.
Have a wonderful night and a great day tomorrow ladies and Gent! :-)
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Life , Chest CT is stable for lung spots 4mm. I think since they didnt change or grow doc. Doesnt do anything. And honestly there wasn't a call..i look at my results, and didnt see any words that would of lead me to calling them with a bunch if questions. But to be safe I will ask at pre op apt. . Which is next friday for lymph nodes and lumpectomy and taking care of wounds/drains. I keep telling myself stay positive but holy cow my anxiety level increases by day.
Also thanks for post about magnesium, um going to try it as well .
Engine/ Janice, happy to hear you have a change of pace. May your job be support and enjoyable it is fall time when everyone bakes yummy sweet goodies .lol
Hey, has anyone asked about flu shots and shld we be getting one ?I'm still stating away from ppl that present cold symptoms. And I let them know I have mask for them to wear when around me. Lol it's not me that is at risk its them, spreading germs.
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Djt, I hope you feel better and soon.
GA Warrior, how are you holding up?
Ingerp, InnaB and Duffyzmum, you guys have fuzz... hmmm, I am still trailing behind.
Libbylouwho, give yourself time. At this point its all cumulative, the tiredness, achiness, other SEs. Your mind and body have gone through a lot. I was just feeling a wee bit of energy, now after surgery, I feel down in the dumps again. I was all high and up on pain killers and now the numb fingers, achy legs and dry eyes are back. It will take time.
BS asked me to wrap myself in cotton wool last night. So, I lay straight on my back and did not get much sleep. Also, I wore a bra all through the night. BS had a look and said things seem okay, theres some haematoma which was expected, but she did not expect me to bruise as much. Anyways, the rainbow on my breast has started to fade, so yeyyy.
Urdrago, love your furbaby, what a cute dp. There are 2 incisions, one for lymph nodes in the underarms and the second one on the breast. Also, a third one if you count the portacath. All the best for your pre surgery consultation. I got flushots before I started chemo and so did hubby and my kid. Check with your GP on if or when you can get them. The flu shots contains weakened or inactivated form of the influenza virus. Now after chemo our immunity is compromised. I do not know if they would want to introduce any kind of virus in us just now.
Take care everyone.
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morning..flu shots...I thought we were done with decisions. Ugh. Those immunocompromised are at higher risk of the flu which unfortunately include all of us. It still would make me nervous if i was still in the midst of chemo and would have to have a serious conversation with my healthcare team about the best timing for the shot. I personally feel I am far enough out that I will take it. Our employee deadline at work ( hospital) to take it is Dec 1 to be protected during peak season even though its offered now. I would still consider your past experience with the shot also. The flu can be nasty and we don't want to be hospitalized for that.
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urdrago, yes, my radiation oncologist got me in to see what was go in on. She prescribed a strong course of antibiotics for 10 days. It's so raw right now I don't know what to do.hard to wear any kind of bra or shirt. I see my surgeon next Tuesday. And, yes, i have a 4 inch lumpectomy scar, but that is fine. I dont know why, but the radiation somehow triggered the lymph node scar infection. The ro said something about treatment killing good cells with bad, so that is why so easy to become infected. But it's taking a long time to improve.
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Hello All - I'm usually on the June thread, but I read others to be more informed.
RE: Flu shot after chemo
My oncologist has specific instructions for me about when I can get my flu shot. He said not during chemo because immune system won't function right to build up the immunity, so it just won't be effective. After final chemo infusion, he's checking my WBC count at 10-12 days (lowest/nadir point after final infusion) and then he'll decide when I can get my flu shot, and when I can be fine to go back into the swimming pool. He thought swimming during chemotherapy wasn't a great idea, although I know some MO's have said patients can go ahead. He suggested that I avoid that kind of possible infection risk during chemotherapy.
He said that if my WBC count is good enough this week, it will be fine to get a flu shot anytime. He predicted that at the latest, I might have to wait 3-4 weeks after final infusion. My final infusion was Sept. 4 and my blood draw to check is Sept. 13.
He also explained that people having chemotherapy for blood cancers (leukemia, etc.) have a much more affected immune system during chemotherapy than breast cancer patients, because of the treatment plans and how they work in the body. That chemotherapy for "solid mass" (tumors) cancers are not as depressing to our immune systems as the blood cancer type of treatment plans. Once the chemo is finished, and once we have WBC counts back to normal range, our immune systems do okay with flu shots, etc.
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Hi HikingLady,
I can confirm what you wrote about the difference between chemo for blood-related cancers and for solid mass tumors. Unfortunately, my wife has had both. When she had acute leukemia 16 years ago, the chemo was strong and was designed to take her immune system and her counts down as low as they could go. Because she was so neutropenic, she would have to be infused in the hospital and stay there until her counts rose to safe levels before she could go home. She had three rounds and then a stem cell transplant after the 4th round. She pretty much was in the hospital for six months straight.
The doctors feel that because her bone marrow took such a beating at that time, she had a very rough time with her four rounds of CT for breast cancer this past summer.
I see on your bio info that you had much the same diagnosis. This was my wife's 2nd go-round with breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy 22 years ago. She is also Stage IIA and ER+, HER 2-.
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Quick post for InnaB - good luck on your final chemo tomorrow! Woo hoo - ring that bell (let's see a pic)!! Hoping your acupuncture has minimized the SEs this time. No matter, though - this time tomorrow, you'll BE DONE!!
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