2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    aah...how is it that i felt fine all weekend after my first chemo and now i'm feeling awful? my head is still itchy as hell (shaving on friday!), but the new thing is my skin...red and blotchy and bumpy. any suggestions? i refuse to be bald and have bad skin....that's just not fair.

    i'm getting so frustrated

    -amy



    I believe that's one of the possible side effects that my oncologist said to call them about. You might try calling your oncologist or nurse to see if they want you to take some Benadryl or something to combat the reaction. Also, the onc might tweak your next Chemo infusion.

    Just a thought (I'm certainly no expert.)
    Jane
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    Today I am day 14 post 1st chemo, hair coming out all day on my way to friends was hoping to just get really shor haircut but looks like I'll need a shave instead, heart pounding right now but know it has to happen can't stand the shedding



    Good luck, Sherry! I am day 12 after 1st Chemo and I noticed quite a bit of hair coming out today, but no big chunks yet. I'm not far behind you!
    Jane
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  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2005

    Chickened out got a pixie cut about an inch all over what a shock will probable have to shave this weekend but today just couldn't go all the way I feel so awful and ugly-- I know vanity is a sin but #$%#$%^ this isn't fun. My head is so small with the hats and all I look like I have a pin head. Now I know why some people call their wigs a critter!! Feels like a critter on top of your head. Hopefully this is the last physical appearance we have to go thru sure takes your breath away.

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  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited October 2005

    Anyone with Low Platelets? Mine dropped to 103 yesterday said if below 100 next Chemo may have to be postponed?????

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  • MomOfFive
    MomOfFive Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2005
    Hi all. I'm a lurker on your thread - I was a serious poster on the Oct 2004 thread and you guys are in my prayers! I got my long hair cut last Oct 5, then my sister buzzed it off when it started to fall out in clumps last Halloween (appropriate!). I just wanted to send you guys special hugs. I know you have heard this before, but it does get so much better. I had my first AC 10/11/04, and finished Taxol the end of February. Now my hair is about 3 inches long, curly and very dark. The bag handler at the airport last week said I looked like a movie star (OK, so he probably wanted a big tip LOL).

    ((((Hugs))))
    Linda
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  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited October 2005
    Ok, so I'm still exhausted and it's day 8? I'm shaving my head tomorrow night...I'm actually excited. There's a bunch in the shower drain and it's noticeably thinner, so I wore a scarf today...it was interesting to see how people react to your chemo coming out.

    My skin is still a mess and my body is achey as hell. I never got my period either...isn't that weird after one chemo treatment? The doctor wants me to come in tomorrow for labwork just to see what's going on...they think that the chemo and steroids totally threw my cycle and my system out of whack and my side effects are ickier.

    Has anyone else had this reaction? I'm nervous that they want blood work done tomorrow instead of waiting until next week for my regular appt.

    -Amy
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  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited October 2005

    Amy - I bet your Dr. is just being cautious and looking out for you. Maybe they can alter your treatment next time so that it is easier on you.... Thinking of you! (((hugs)))

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  • TracyNY
    TracyNY Member Posts: 434
    edited October 2005
    I had my first treatment today. I got cytoxine (sp?) and the Red Devil. I'm feeling a little left of center but if I had to get up and do stuff I could.

    Its not as bad as I thought it would be at the moment and I'm praying that this leg of the journey is uneventful. My expanders so feel a little tighter than usual though. Anyone else get that or am I just being paranoid?
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    Chickened out got a pixie cut about an inch all over what a shock will probable have to shave this weekend but today just couldn't go all the way I feel so awful and ugly-- I know vanity is a sin but #$%#$%^ this isn't fun. My head is so small with the hats and all I look like I have a pin head. Now I know why some people call their wigs a critter!! Feels like a critter on top of your head. Hopefully this is the last physical appearance we have to go thru sure takes your breath away.



    I don't blame you, Sherry. This hair falling out thing sucks!

    I was having lunch with 2 friends today and one of them was trying to pull a lose hair off me (after I told her it was starting to fall out). I said, "Don't pull too much or lots will come out!"
    Jane
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  • mjsherrill
    mjsherrill Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2005
    Hey everyone!

    Hope everyone is well. I had my first AC treatment yesterday and went back today for a shot of Neulasta. I am on a dose dense regimen - every two weeks for four sessions then switch to Taxol for the remaining four.

    Am I just different??? After the first treatment and into day 2 I am having no side effects. No nausea, no aches, no pains, no nothing! Energy level is high! Should I just feel extremely lucky, or wait for the other shoe to drop??????
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  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited October 2005
    I felt the same way...I'm having the same chemo regimen as you. I was like the energizer bunny...running around, hanging out, fine. A little sick to my stomach, but that was it. No aches or pains or anything

    My energy level dropped pretty big on day 5. I had withdrawal kinda feelings when I stopped taking the Decadron on that day (I loathe that damn steroid)...broke out pretty bad on my skin and was just exhausted. Head started to itch and hair started to thin today. So, I'm not sure what you will feel. It's all individual But, honestly, to get through the first treatment and feel pretty good all last weekend, that's fine with me...Side effect stuff this week from the steroids is awful, but hopefully the rest of the actual chemo will be okay for us if we did okay our first time

    -Amy
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  • mjsherrill
    mjsherrill Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2005
    ake,

    We will have to compare - they put the Decadron in the chemo infusion, so I am not taking it over several days.

    I am just waiting for the itchy head - and I dread it coming. But we are on the journey now - no turning back - and I will sacrifice the hair to feel this good after each of the remaining treatments. Any day!
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  • TracyNY
    TracyNY Member Posts: 434
    edited October 2005
    Whoo, that Ativan!! I don't know why they gave it to me but thanks!! What a good night's sleep I got off of that. Its day 2 and I'm debating going out, I don't want to stay hostage in the house but I'm scared of being overcome with some ailment while I'm out.

    I take 1 Emend in the morning for 3 days, 1 Ativan twice a day for 4 days, and 2 Dexamethasone twice a day for 4 days. I'll keep my eyes peeled for pimples when I stop. I don't know if I'll take an AM Ativan if its going to knock me out like that, I'll call the office and get an opinion.

    Last night my stomach was a little uneasy and my mouth was watery, I presume that without the drugs I'd have been talking to Ralph on the big white telephone!! So far, so good. Prayer changes things!!
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  • Sally12219
    Sally12219 Member Posts: 5
    edited October 2005
    Good morning!

    Today is the second chemo for me. I want to enjoy the Fall color tour on the way there and back. It is truly a beautiful time of year here in Michigan, but I know that means winter isn't far away. My poor little nekkid haid will be cold for sure!

    Just a stupid heads-up. I bought lots of bandanas at the craft store. Before you buy, fold them and see what they look like on. The effect can be strange depending on the pattern!

    My oncologist will not be in the office today. The kids are off school, so they are going to Traverse City to the Great Bear Lodge. It is a family place with an indoor water park. She said she will be in line in her bathing suit while I get treatment. I almost would rather get chemo!

    Good thoughts for you all.

    Sally
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  • Jezzy123
    Jezzy123 Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2005

    Hi, I'm new to all of this and Today I go to see a radiogist. However, my big question is DOES ANYONE HAVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS also? I do and was convinced I wouldn't get anything else, cause the MS got there first., boy was I wrong.

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  • Sem
    Sem Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2005

    Hope your treatment is going well and you are doing well. Your post really caught my attention, because like you, I thought I was a very strong person. I am waiting to get my results back from my Oncotype test. I am scheduled to start chemo on Oct. 26 if that is what the test suggest. I have been crying all the time, mostly over the fear of the hair loss. I was wondering how the meds helped you with your nerves. I would perfer not to take any, but I cry over any little thing.

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  • debbie444
    debbie444 Member Posts: 847
    edited October 2005
    Now on day 9 and still feeling ok - hair still where it should be! Felt tired day 3 and 4 and had short nap but apart from that feeling good.
    Have 2nd chemo on Nov 3rd - anyone else out there?
    Debbie
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  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited October 2005
    Ativan helps me with my nerves. The Onc perscribed it. .5 mg. One tablet helps with nerves--2 puts you to sleep! :-)

    Glad to hear so many of you are feeling good after your treatments!

    I start mine on the 28th - are there any others starting on the 28th???
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  • daydream
    daydream Member Posts: 69
    edited October 2005

    No side effects? I'm amazed how different people's reactions are. I just don't know what to expect. I have my first AC treatment Tuesday. I have a wig and scarves at the ready. I am back at work, at a reduced level, and hope I can continue. It's good to get my mind off of me!

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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2005
    I just got a call from the onc nurse and she said my blood work from this morning shows I have Neutropenia (low white blood cell count). I'm on an antibiotic already for a sinus infection so the nurse said just try to be careful not to be exposed to germs.

    My hair is definitely falling out more today. Lots came out in the shower this morning. Fun Fun Fun

    Jane
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  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited October 2005
    Just wanted to say good luck to everyone who is either losing their hair or shaving it this weekend! I'm shaving my head with my husband and brother in 2 hours when my brother gets here from out of town and then we're having a head shaving party with other friends who are shaving their heads too...so weird. I just put away all my hair products, brushes, shampoos...kinda sad, but kinda okay too. My head is so itchy and my hair is coming out that I'm just ready to do this already!

    Tracy...I have my second AC treatment on the 27th, so we're kinda on the same day when you start chemo. You'll do great!!!

    -Amy
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Day 9 since first A/C: My appetite is very good. Too good? I woke up in the middle of the night hungry and ate beef stew which I cooked for my family the other day. It was the most delicious meal I've ever eaten!! What's going on? I don't even like beef.
    Someone please tell me chemo brain is temporary. I'm ending up saying the same things over and over. I'm ending up saying the same things over and over.
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  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited October 2005
    Brenda...I've been a vegetarian for numerous years and haven't had red meat in forever. Tuesday night...I was CRAVING steak. I felt like a dinosaur or something. I just wanted meat...any meat! Went out and had filet mignon and it was the most beautiful thing I'd eaten The nurse told me that people crave meat a lot during chemo, so we're okay. I'm glad you're feeling good!!! See? We can do this

    -Amy
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  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited October 2005

    It sounds like you are one of the lucky ones........glad you are feeling well..I am on the same treatment plan as you are and I wish I could say I felt as good as you do.......today is day 5 and I am still tired.......actually the first couple of days weren't as bad although I am not sleeping well at night so that may have something to do with it..I heard that is probably from the decadron. I am just starting to get my appetite back but I am craving some weird stuff.......Trying to push the fluids but that is hard for me....not thirsty. Did you happen to get a flushed face and chest? Still waiting for that to go away.......

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005

    Regarding your expanders being tighter: I had a really strange experience around day 5 or 6. I don't even have expanders (lumpectomy), but my breasts felt really hard and tight for a few minutes while I was in bed. After this tight feeling I can almost swear my lungs did the same thing. I told my BC support group about this and they thought I was talking about a panic attack (which it wasn't as I know what that is). Anyway, you are the only other one that I know of who has felt that same tightness!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Amy,
    Just wanted you to know that I'm pulling for you (no pun intended). Good luck with the shave. I'm not looking forward to my shaving, whenever that would be. I just cut mine very short yesterday. Of course my bc support group said I looked like a movie star. Anyway, I almost am grateful that there will be some sort of sign (itching!!), and that this would actually make you want to shave it off!
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  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited October 2005

    Getting mine cut short this afternoon. I am so glad we are all traveling this road together!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Quote:

    I am so glad we are all traveling this road together!



    So am I. Yesterday I was beside myself because I could not access this discussion board. I realized then that I really needed this board to express myself.
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  • mjsherrill
    mjsherrill Member Posts: 21
    edited October 2005
    Yes - I did have a flushed face and chest - and still somewhat flushed today though it is subsiding.
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2005
    Jessy,
    Sorry about the MS. You may want to do a search for MS and breast cancer. Sounds like you're in a really low point right now. Keep posting here. I have found it therapeutic.
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