2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Graycie

Laura, what kind of shine spray do you use on your wig? I have had compliments on my wig too but would like to spray the bangs since I kind of ruined them when I opened the oven door. Dummy me,I forgot not to get near heat.....I had to trim off the frizz but it still looks kind of dry in the front. Is your wig real hair or synthetic? Graycie

Anonymous

Graycie,
That is so funny about the oven! Sorry that happened, but I will learn from your accident. Forewarned is forearmed. My wig is synthetic - I bought it at PaulaYoung.com. Wig places do sell a shine spray, but I just use the same spray I used on my real hair. It's called Pure Shine by Hask. I bought it at Walgreens (don't know if you have one in NY). But any brand will work. Just don't use alot of it. Take care.
Laura (GTO)

TracyNY

Wig story: I was walking to my oncologists office last session and a woman starting pointing at me and shouting "Your hair looks just like Oprah!" I turned back because I was stunned and had passed her already and said "No, Oprah's looks like mine, I had the look first!!" I got such a tickle out of that.

I'm tell you where to get shine products, we women of color have millions of them under our bathroom sink because our hair tends to be dry. And they cost a lot less than other products. Ispolus Oil Sheen in the light blue can, the dark blue can works too but it is much more greasy. I almost broke my neck on the bathroom tiles after spraying that sucker!!

Motions Oil Sheen and Conditioning Spray is in a yellow can with a purple cover. Does the trick nicely on human hair and the wigs too. You can find them in any beauty supply where ethnic products are sold.

maryannecb

Had a cigar and got frizzies from lighter i think. I know I shouldn't smoke but two a year is def modereation and they are so good. Will remove wig next time.LOL. Day 4 post chemo, not slleepong well but otherwise well. Usually feel bad when decadron stops...doesn't happen til sunday thoigh so will lay low that day.
My haidresser cleaned and trimmed my wig yesterday, looks great wish I could take him home with me to keep it up everyday.
Has Ravdeb resurfaced yet?
Fists up

debbie444

When i got my wig, the woman told me to beware of the oven when cooking too ! She also said that it may go a little frizzy where it rubs my shoulders and to treat it with a little fabric conditioner on the ends!!
Debbie

RoseMarie

Hugs ladies!
I've been so down I haven't even wanted to get online. I'm not happy that everyone else was down too but it does help me to know that once again I'm not alone! I keep thinking one more "bad" treatment but now I'm starting to get scared about Taxol! My bad "stuff" hasn't been horrible but just the thought of chemo taste in my mouth again makes me want to run to the toilet...I know I have an active imagination but I feel like I smell chemo everywhere I go. YUCK!!!!!! Oh well, time to get out the decorations and get in the spirit! Have a great weekend!

Graycie

Laura, I got my wig from Paula Young too. They are nice for the money and I have also gotten alot of compliments. Which style did you get? I am thinking of getting another one for a backup incase of anymore oven mishaps....We have a Walgreens so I will check out that spray.

Tda866----Thanks for your advice too. If you look like Oprah you must have a nice wig too! I love her hair, unfortunately they don't make it in blonde...That's not fair....HA

Graycie

Graycie

Rosemarie, I am also afraid to start Taxel, and it is so long.....They told me I would be there about 5 hours....I know what you mean about the chemical smell and taste with AC, the first treatment was the worse for me. Hopefully it won't be as bad with the Taxol....I guess we just have to think positive...My first Taxol is 12/12....Graycie

TracyNY

They don't make that wig, sister, you have to get it made. My stylist suprised me with that one!! He's been doing my hair for many, many years and was as hurt as I was at the thought of all our hard work ending up on the bathroom floor.

So prior to chemo he made me a lovely wig which I christened "The Lady Bunny" after a famous New York drag queen, because she is so fabulous!! She makes being bald so much easier, I get a lot of catcalls from her!!

Serendipity

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My prayers are with you too, Kate!

Here's a new one for me - swollen eye lids. Has anyone else experienced this? It's very weird. I'm not usually prone to allergic reactions and such so this is a little unusual. I go for A/C #3 on Monday and I'll ask the doc about it too.

Hope everyone had a great holiday.

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I have been MIA for a while--just wanting to float around in my little denial bubble--but finally checked in today.

Anyway, yes I have had very swollen/sensitive eyes. My oncologist just said it was probably allergies (I do usually have airborn allergies) and to try the allergy eye drops that one can find in the drug store. I haven't tried that yet. But, I've never had this eye thing before, so I'm still wondering if it's truly "just allergies".

Jane

Serendipity

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Sorry...I used to be so positive about this and I don't know what happened to me. All I want to do is cry!
ravdeb

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I'm with you on this Ravdeb. I've had some really down days and some really tired days. My only consolation is that Chemo #4 is next Friday and then I'll be half way through--and all done with AC.

Hang in there! My friend told me the other day that I have a great attitude--I just told her that some days my attitude is better than others
Jane

marymelodi

Wanted to check in with everyone. I'm on 2nd day after 3rd A/C. Seems to be going well so far. I had an accident unrelated to cancer or chemo. I was walking out to the parking lot after work and decided to take a little short cut across a flower bed, now all empty and frozen up. As I stepped up on the curb, to cross over, I must have become unbalanced or something, but I wrenched my left knee awfully. I had a tough time continuing out to the van, and then when getting into my van, slowly bending my hurting knee, the wind caught my door and it closed up right into my shin. Can you believe it? I've spent last night and today with it elevated, using my husband's cane and knee brace for support, and gingerly going from bed to bathroom, both on the upper floor. Only made it downstairs once, but will have to try again soon, I have to take my night time doses of meds. As if chemo isn't enough, I have to hurt my knee and have the van door bruise my shin. Today I feel very unlucky. Glad I'm not into gambling or anything like that. I'd probably lose BIG. So, boo-hoo,I know these things will get better, but some days it really seems like it doesn't pay to get out of bed. Thankfully my hubby has been kind, sympathetic, and helpful to me.

I'm having chemo #4 A/C on Dec 15, at a higher dose. My doc has calculated my previous doses according to my ideal body weight, in a conservative approach, because of the pancreatitis I experienced after treatment #1. But, since these last 2 have gone well, she is going to increase the dose. I am obese and there is research out there that obese women get under treated because docs do not give them the full dose accourding to their body mass. I was worried that it would be less effective against the cancer, but she reassured me that would not be the case.

After #4, then I will go on to Taxol, also. The dose will be calculated on my real weight, not my ideal weight. I'll be experiencing that one right along with the rest of you.

Have a great weekend everyone. Hope your spirits are lifting if you were feeling low.
marymelodi

Serendipity

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I even think that if it came back I wouldn't do this again, just try to enjoy the life I have left because this is just too hard.

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Well, as down as I've been, I know if I get a recurrence, I will do whatever I can to live--because I have a 7 year old daughter. We adopted her when she was 16 months old, so I feel I owe it to her to keep going and live as long a life as I can. She's been through enough loss in her little life!

I have every intention of recovering from this, even though I admit--some days have been very difficult.
Jane

maryannecb

Poor you Marymelodi. Sounds like you had a very bad day. Looks like you are back on schedule though so that is good. I have my last FAC Dec 20. A little close to Xmas but I hope to tolerate it well and not have too much trouble... Have 5 hour drive in Canadian winter to get where I am going so hope the weather is perfect too.
Day 5 today, feel bloated and a little tired but put full day in despite it all. Had three dropoffs with kids, shopped x 2 hours, made 36 hors d'oeuvres for tonight, made pita crackers and smoked oyster dip too. Bought bottle of red wine and going to girls night out at friends house, should be fun. All on 4 hours sleep! I get so hyper on Decadron that even though I feel tired I can't rest and am in consatnt motion. I guess that is better than lying around like a lump...
I am having a positive vibe about all this stuff right now. I really can not see anything bad happening to me. It is maybe not entirely realistic but damn it feels good. Initially I was so worried, everything I did, swim , go for walk, celebrate birthdays, seemed like it was going to be my last.In the last month I have moved forward and am once again looking to the future. I even bought concert tickets for May. I hope some of you who are down can catch this good feeling ,it sure helps.

Serendipity

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Have not heard from Serendipity either, Hope she is well

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Thanks for thinking about me I haven't checked in for a while--just part of my way of coping to not think about it too much. It's gotten to the point that I can just think about my next Chemo and feel nauseous--sort of like Pavlov's dog.

I am okay though. My white and red blood cell counts have been low, but high enough to continue getting treatments--so far without Neulasta. I do think the low counts contribute to feeling down though. I'm still taking 1 Ambien each night so I can sleep. I tried going without and even tried an OTC sleep aide (Alluna--made with Valerian Root(sp?) and it didn't help at all. Oh well, at least I can sleep with the Ambien.

Next Friday, Chemo #4--here I come--and then I'll be half way through. Yippee. I keep thinking the Taxol will be better for me that AC
Jane

Anonymous

Graycie,
The one I bought is called Carly - in med. brown with some blonde highlights. I also just ordered another one called Sensational in light Auburne (just for variety). Which one did you get? Hope you're feeling well.
Laura (GTO)

spirit

(((Serendipity)))

I have been wondering about you too hon.....I had my carotid surgery late yesterday afternoon....the neglected to honor my right arm though after I was asleep and I'm just a tad concerned about it. Think I'll contact my Onc. about it next week and see what he says....

I think the surgery itself was ok...The surgeon told my son that the artery was completely clear now!! YAY!!!! As far as the leg blockage goes though, he still wants to do a bypass with itand I'm stillpretty opposed to it. He also wants to do it in a couple of weeks and that's too close to the holidays in my opinion....

Also seems like so many of us are having depression problems and I've been wondering if it isn't because of the holidays being so close???? Also the weather for many of us has become colder and our heads are balder!!! I've noticed that I am wearing my short little wig more now too...lots of cold and wind lately!! *lol*

Still have postpone my chemo until all this vascular stuff is done....can't wait to finish...I sooooo want to get on with my life!!!

love & hugs,
kate

Graycie

Hi Laura, I am feeling alright but I have the indigestion thing going on now...I always seem to crash on the weekend after chemo....The wig I have is the Leanne wig in light brown with blonde hi-lights. I know which one is Carly because I almost got that one. I am still not sure which one to order next. I am thinking of trying another color just for fun......Did you have your last AC yet? We are pretty much on the same schedule...If not, I wish you luck....Graycie

debbie444

Marymelodi - I have my 4th FEC on the 15th Dec too - I will be thnking of you!
Its good to see that we seem to be picking up between us. In a strange way it helped to know i wasnt feeling down by myself!
Take care everyone
Debbie

Anonymous

What did you shampoo your wig with??? I have 3 wigs: blonde, brunette and red!! Talk about confusing people at work!! We had a guy get transferred to our store and he walked in and said: "Great haircut!" After I asked him 3 times if he was serious, he said yes, I finally pulled off my wig to his horror!!

Oh my! He didn't know about the cancer. Last July he had been on vacation during our company-wide sales meeting where it had been announced by our owner and the vice presidents had each gotten up and spoken about me and they prayed about me as a group --- so I thought EVERYONE knew.. well almost everyone, huh?!!

debbie444

My wig came with instructions - to soak in a solution of mild shampoo and cold water for 3 mins , then rinse in cold water, squeeze water out with towel then hang to dry. Just done mine - will see in morning whether it has worked or not!
Someone who i hadnt seen for a while asked which hairdresser i had been too the other day - she was mortified when i told her - even though i asssured her it was prob the best compliment she could have given me!
Debbie

Serendipity

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(((Serendipity)))

I have been wondering about you too hon.....I had my carotid surgery late yesterday afternoon....the neglected to honor my right arm though after I was asleep and I'm just a tad concerned about it.

I think the surgery itself was ok...The surgeon told my son that the artery was completely clear now!! YAY!!!!

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Hi Kate,
Thanks for your concern. I'm glad your surgery went well--one more thing out of the way, yes? Sorry they didn't honor your need for sticks in left side only--don't medical folks get training in this lymphodema stuff?? Frustrating.

Hang in there,
Jane

Serendipity

Okay ladies--my eyes have been really bothering me today and I have had a bad sinus headache as well--but no fever. I've had plenty of sinus headaches pre-chemo, but this eye thing is something new. I do feel like some eyelashes are falling out and going into my eyes--maybe that's just enough to iritate them. If it's not better tomorrow, I guess I'll call the doctor again.
Jane

ake

here's a thought too...my husband's friend said that when he had his cancer, every 5-6 day after chemo, he fell into a nasty depression...for no reason sometimes. it turned out that it was from the decadron. i hate that decadron so much!!! i start taxol on thursday and am nervous because i have to take a whopping 20mg dose of decadron the night before (as compared to the twice daily dosage of 8mg decadron i had during AC) i'm nervous i'm going to go crazy! my infusion for taxol is 3 hours...what the hell am i going to do for that time?

-amy

Anonymous

Hi Graycie,
The Leanne wig is cute! That happens to be my sister's name. And when I was deciding which to buy - I called her and told her there was one named after her! Hope the indigestion is better. I hope you're not like me, everytime mine flares up - I am convinced the cancer has spread to my Esophogus!?! My last A/C is this Wednesday. I start Taxol the week b/4 Christmas. I am one week behind you. So does that mean that you start Taxol the week of Dec. 12th.? Hope you had a great weekend.
Laura (GTO)

Anonymous

Amy,
I too, am convinced that all the depression going on is due to meds. And, I too am nervous about being immobile for 3 perhaps 4 hours. At home, I have a hard time sitting still for 10 minutes! But one thing that may help...I have been told that part of the infusion during Taxol (I start Taxol the week b/4 Christmas) is Benadryl, and that makes most people very sleepy. So...you will probably doze off and the time will fly! I hope you do, and if you do, I wish you very sweet dreams! Hang in there!
Laura (GTO)

ravdeb

I'm back for now. I was in and out of the hospital for a week. I have a stubborn fever that won't let up. It goes down and goes back up. They can't find a thing wrong. My wbc was very low but that went up with the neupogen. The only thing they think is that the neupogen shots are giving me the fever. I'm home now but feel a fever coming on as the afternoon progresses. I refuse to check it until later in the afternoon so that I can at least sleep here at home this afternoon for a nap!
BUT..the doctor just called...oh no..... something showed up in the bacteria check they did...oh no!!!!! I have to take antibiotics pill form unless I get a fever and then I'll be back with them...UGH!
I'm tough....I can do this even though I said I would NEVER be in the hospital!!!!!!
Thanks for those who asked where I was....
You guys are wonderful.
ravdeb

Graycie

Laura, OMG, I am just like you.....I too thought the cancer has spread to my esophagus ...I don't want to scare you but this last AC was a little worse for me with the indigestion, heartburn, and hiccups, do you get those? Annoying and they hurt...Yes, I start my Taxol on the 12th....Very nervous as to what to expect...Good Luck on Wednesday.....Graycie

Graycie

Amy, I also fall into a nasty depression on day 5 and 6....cry for no reason and really feel sorry for myself....I also hate the decadron and I am worried after listening to everybody saying how much they have to take on Taxol....Although my ONC said I will only get it in the drip before hand and won't have to take it after. I hope that is the case. I wonder if we can take an ativan or something to calm us down after....Good Luck Thursday. Keep us posted how you do with your first Taxol. I am going to have positvie thoughts for you....Graycie

Graycie

Ravdeb. I am so sorry to hear you have been sick....You are tough and you will get through this....You are in my thoughts, Graycie