Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?
Comments
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No symptoms -- that's what shocked me. My scalp feels normal, although now that the hair has started falling my head is itching slightly. At the rate it's coming out, I may not need to have my head shaved this Saturday. The hair may already be gone!
Heck, that would save me the trauma of having a stranger see me bald. We have theatre tickets for Saturday night. So I'll have a fresh new look to premiere to the world.
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Made it to work! Day 6 after TX#1! Felt pretty good all day. Brought a bag of goodies to snack on and did not forget my clients' names, the location of my office or the way to the restroom. Dare I hope this portends my reaction to the next 5 TX? Will get the hair buzzed or shaved on Saturday -- I have a lot, even tho' I cut it short -- and do not want to deal with the shedding. Remember the Cone Heads (Jane Curtin and Dan Akroyd) from SNL? I have been thinking about that look for a while now....
Cheers to everyone - may our spirits stay strong!
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So... had my first treatment this afternoon. The chemo room was so full that hubby didn't have a chair to sit in next to me. The nurse was kind & let him use her stool, then he finally got a comfy chair when the lady next to me left. When I first sat in that chair, I was litterally panicked and almost bursted out in tears. Hubby said I was so pale he wanted to take me by the hand & say "let's get out of here!", but we stayed and treatment started. A few minutes into the Taxotere, I started getting this horrible taste in my mouth, the nurse proceded to say that this usually happens with taxotere & younger patient! Then onto the Cytoxan. All of a sudden, I started feeling like I had to sneeze and started blowing my nose, to which the nurse proceded to say that this usually happens with cytoxan & younger patient! Again!! When we left the chemo room, we went down to the wig bank and got my first wig! I still don't know how I feel about it, I really think I'll be more of a hats & scarves person. They also gave me a night cap for when the hair start falling and to keep my head warm. I guess I survived my first tx, altough I'm still very freaked out & mad that I have this chemo inside my body right now, and a little depressed over it. Thankfully, I don't have to cook dinner tonight, the ladies from our church are providing us with meals until Thursday, then hubby will be home for the weekend. They're talking about providing meals for the next 6 or so months, until chemo & radiations are done. While I'd probably be able to cook dinner, we'll sure be eating healthier since if I had to cook tonight our dinner would probably be a yummy box of Kraft Dinner! LOL!
Firni - Glad to hear the port went in without any issues and I hope you're still pain free
Was thinking about you as well. -
zuffa - that's funny! you should have a big movie night the day you get your hair buzzed and play Cones Head!! Ok, that's the weird humor hubby & I have, then wait for everyone's reaction. Good luck on Saturday. Still debating about getting my hair buzzed, guess I'll wait for my head to let me know how it feels.
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I think we should all wear our baldness as a badge of honor. I shaved my head 2 days after 1st treatment. I didn't want it to come out in big hunks and I've heard it gets sore. I've been shopping the last 4 days, I wear a hat but actually took it off in a couple of stores to try on new hats. I just turned 51 and several people have told me they think I look yrs younger and I don't think they're just trying to make me feel better. I make a good GI Jane. I took lots of pics, maybe I'll post some. Good luck to everyone starting this week.
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Meb, I'm 52 and I don't think being hairless is going to make me look younger or better. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think so. I'm glad it's working for you tho.
I'm sure I'll just wait and see when my hair decides to leave me. I am ready for it tho.
I'm still not having much problems with my port. I have taken some tylenol and it's fine. The tape holding on the bandages is more of a bother than the port is.
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Firni, it seems I was more taped up with the port incision that with the lumpectomy and Mammosite. I get my staples out today. I am ready. Also, I am having a problem with the hair thing. I already have 1 wig. I am going to be prepared.
Thinking of all of you! Linda
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Last night, I stood over the trashcan, pulling out the loose hair and it just kept coming! Finally I had so many bald spots that it didn't make any sense to keep the rest. I couldn't go out in public like that anyway. So my husband shaved my head for me.
It wasn't as traumatic for me as it is for some women. Sure we both were emotional, but we got through it. One more milestone down.
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Good Morning Divas
Well today is day 5 (counting day of chemo). Yesterday I had my neulasta shot, as my treatment was on Friday so they give the shots on Monday. I've been having some bone twinges and aches and yesterday I just wanted to lie around and be a slug! LOL That is the hardest for me, as I'm a pretty active person. I'm feeling better this morning...good thing as I'm back to teaching Zumba tonight.
Things are starting to taste a bit different and my cravings are from one end of the spectrum to the other. When I got up yesterday I just wanted fruits and vegetables....and salt! Had some potato chips, which I normally don't eat and they tasted fabulous! By evening I was so over that!
Been adding lemon to my water because it is tasting funny....but that is all I really drink, other than some tea and whatever I juice. I've got some pomengranates I'm going to juice today with some blueberries and pears.......hopefully it will still sound good when I get to it!
Welcome to the new divas...sorry you had to join us...but we are here for you!
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Firni, I'm 51, overweight, probably won't be winning any beauty contests. I know everyone feels differently about their hair but I felt it was the one thing I had control of. I decided when it came out. I just think if people knew how many of us there are it would bring more attention to the cause and cure. I had no idea, what is it 1 in 6 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. WOW! There was an article in my bs office about a girl being diagnosed at 12 yrs of age. She's a 26yr survivor.
This board has taught me a lot about courage and I pray I can show that strength to my children and grandchildren through the remainder of this downhill ride. My grandkids watched my sis die of lung cancer in 2006 and I have to show them the story can have a different ending.
My prayers and thoughts are with all the wonderful ladies on this site, especially those starting treatment this week. May God give us strength.
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Day 4 and 5 - Yesterday was a bad day. I had to see my surgeon for post surgery check and everything is fine. He wants to see me after I am done with chemo. I thought he would be seeing me for at least 3 months to make sure the beast is not coming back but it looks like he will not. After I am done with chemo, it will be 7-8 months after DX. Any thoughts?
I went to work yesterday but I felt very bad. Nausea and tired, could not eat. I came home and I was already sleeping by 7:30PM. I did not take any pills yet.
Today I am working from home, feel much better. I had breakfast - cheese and ham sandwich - and coffee (just half a cup). If I would not feel so tired all the time, I would say it is not too bad.
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I agree with you Meb, we need to stand up and let the world know we have breast cancer. I'm having a terrible problem with letting my hair go, at the same time I don't want to feel embarrassed that I don't (won't) have any hair. It isn't our fault that we have cancer, but we are fighting as hard as we can and I think that's something to be proud of ladies. I was worried about wearing scarves because I may look like a cancer pt., Idon't want to be a cancer pt, but I like the look of scarves and the bright colors and I am a cancer pt. And being a cancer pt is only temporary and so is being bald. So, I'm going to flaunt it and tell my story to who ever asks.......that is after I get over my haircut tonight.....Yikes!
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Simvog, I thank that sounds normal. When I saw my BS last week for my post-op appt, I asked her when I'd see her again and she said after chemo & radiation. She said it's normally 6 mths but since I will be probably tender and sore from the rads, she will fudge the dates a bit but said it shouldn't make a big difference.
Sorry to hear you've been feeling sick. I've been sticking to my nausea meds and haven't experienced any more of that nastiness for a couple of days now. I'm back at work and feeling pretty good today. Almost back to normal, whatever that is!!
Cinda, I'm sorry you're having hard time letting your hair go. For me personally, the hair so far has been the easiest thing to deal with. I think getting my cut helped a lot even though it's going to be gone soon. My plan is to get some funky little wigs (cheap ones) to wear on the weekends and wear ballcaps and woolies on top to make it look cute. I'm not into scarves so I'm not even considering those. I plan on shaving my head in about a week just to get it over with. Don't worry about your haircut tonight. It will be fine!! Just rock it, girl!
Lisa, I know what you mean about appetite changes. I've been the same way. I've been craving some things I never imagined I'd want or be able to eat!
Hugs to all you December Divas!
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Today is day 8 and the last day I get the neupogen shot until Sat. I am feeling really good and am getting a lot of things done that I have neglected. Had a long conversation w/my mom and her spirits seem to be a little bettter this wk. She will be under going some tests and we will have the full picture on the 18th. It seems so far that everyone is doing quite well. Which is such good news and I hope that stays that way. I am hoping when I go on Fri tx #2 that I will be able to get ahead of the SE. I think I waited to long last time to take the anit-nausea pills. Hope everyone has good wk.
Colleen
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They gave me two different nausea meds, both say every six hrs but the onc nurse told me if I still feel nausea 3-3 1/2 hrs later take the other one although it might make me sleepy. That's what kept me from getting sick, I witched off every 3 hrs for 4-5 days. Some days I could go longer and most nights. At the slightest hint I take the meds.
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Hey ladies....I know the hair thing is hard for so many women. It would be for me as well, but I'll just be walking in my 18 year old daughter's shoes for a while. She has alopecia and is bald. She has taught me a lot in the last year about what true beauty is. She is beautiful...with or without her wig. She wears mostly scarves these days and you know, some people ask if she has cancer, but many people just think she shaved her head! We see all kinds of people these days...piercings all over their body, tattoos from head to toe, clothing that we would never thought of wearing out of the house.......so a lot of people don't even blink an eye when they see somebody who has no hair!
Do I like it, no! But at least mine will grow back. My daughter is 18 and her hair will never grow back....she worries about going to college, dating, etc. But then she says, Whatever....they can deal with it!
Sorry.....just needed to share my views! It is hard to deal with, but it will grow back! In the meantime, try a new color or new style and make the best out of the lousy deal!
Hugs
Lisa
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For me, the wig is a chance to try the hairstyle I've always wanted by could never explain quite right to stylists. Even better, I have the chunky highlights that I couldn't afford to keep up with my own hair. So I've got a more expensive look!
I'm enjoying my last week of feeling great. Next Tuesday and Wednesday are Round #2 of FEC. Just hoping I don't get as sick as I did with the first one. This time I've got all of the soft foods on hand that I craved the first time around. Bring it on!
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Good day ladies,
Zuffa - you go girl!
Why is it that not one single person (group/etc) has made me a meal???? I am feeling pretty left out!! Guess they figure that I have no one to cook for - just thaw out a frozen dinner or something - but no one has offered to cook me anything!! Smile - of course, I don't look like I have missed a meal, either......
I didn't have any bandages on my port - just super glue (or dermabond) -- and it healed nicely - no itching, peeling, etc.
meb - I know exactly what you mean about hair being something you could/did control. Now even it is going to betray us! I do agree that this battle is hopefully one of the most powerful life lessons that we can give to our children and our grandchildren.
simvog - I absolutely postively refuse to be nauseous -- take the pills!!!
Hang in there all - day 6 for me after first TC -- doing okay.....waiting for the other shoe to drop...*smile*
Brenda
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Quick question for everyone about the port. How are you sleeping at night? I had a lumpectomy which has healed up pretty good now so I have little pain there, but I'm still afraid to sleep on my stomach for fear of hurting or messing up the port. My port isn't bothering me anymore and the soreness is gone but I don't want to damage it by sleeping on my stomach! I wasn't given too many instructions on the port and what and what not to do.
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I sleep on my stomach with my port without problems. My surgeon said there were absolutely no restrictions with it. FYI -- When I got mine, I also had no bandages. Just the Dermabond.
Also, exercise is so important. I have a tissue expander and my plastic surgeon has given me the go-ahead to do all of my upper body weight lifting exercises.
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Thanks, Texas357! As for exercise, I am planning to return to "Curves" tonight and get a work out in. I am a member and haven't gone in almot 2 mths and figure since I'm feeling better today I might as well get some exercise in. My oncologist recommended it to keep my strength up.
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Brenny - My "other shoe" has dropped -- although I am at work. Very tired - but going to stick it out as my brain is clear and I am still productive. Last night I thought I was going to fall down on the way to bed - but got 10+ hours of sleep. Brought half a gallon of my favorite ice cream to the office for a treat (it was very good about half an hour ago!) - plus some real food to snack on. My DH is driving me to and from work every day (it works out okay for us in terms of his commute). Does anyone else have the weird, slightly shakey feeling? My taste buds are improving and still no gastric/intestinal issues of any type. It was cold when I went to bed last night - swaddled myself up and woke up drenched (haven't had that feeling since menopause - ugh). Then I noticed DH had thrown all the covers off him...the temperature must have gone up twenty degrees!
Incidentally, regarding those port things -- I have been very lucky. My port was implanted by my bs - who, according to my oncologist, has "magic hands". I have had absolutely no issues -- not even the day of implant. He did not use Dermabond, tape or anything similar - just a couple of dissolving stitches. I have no scar (Vitamin E) and no discomfort -- and blessedly, he put me totally to sleep intravenously for the procedure - so I also have no memory of it!
Fight on!
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Hi,
I''m Karen. I'm 54 and single all my llife. I had BC 17 years ago (lumpectomy, chemo and rad) and was diagnosed again after Labor Day. On Oct. 27, I had bilateral mastectomy with DIEP free flap reconstruction and axillary node dissection. 9 out of 20 were Pos. So, I saw my medical oncologist yesterday and will be starting 6 rounds of TC every 3 weeks. He was concerned about some redness on my new right breast and won't let me start until the PS clears me. I see him on Thurs. I have also elected to do acupuncture before each treatment to help with nausea and vomiting. I had a really hard time with them 17 years ago when I did AC.
I am a special education teacher at the primary level and am concerned about going back to work. My paid sick leave will be over in Jan. What most concerns me is being around little kids who are still learning good hygiene habits as this will increase my chance of infection. I would rather not go back during chemo if I can help it. Any thoughts? I am making myself a wreck thinking about this, and getting the chemo, etc. I am still swollen from the reconstruction as well. Don't I sound miserable! Its not that bad really, I guess.
I would love to continue to be on this thread. Next time, I won't write as much.
Karen in Pittsburgh
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Zuffa - we are pretty much on the same schedule, I think (Dec 3). My first day back in the office was yesterday, but I had to get up at 3am to catch a 6:30am flight, so you know what I did when I left the office - straight to the apt to eat and to sleep! Today has been okay - but not intending to spend any late nights here like I usually do --I was in bed by 9 last night! Thought I might stop at Best Buy tonight on the way home, or maybe I will just wait until the weekend. I love the ice cream story! This tx certainly has not hurt MY appetite!
My port has been pretty much a non -issue too. I sleep on it with no problem. Finally touched it after a week--they explained that it is kind of like an inverted pop bottle top with a little spongy cover. Mine has a pretty good looking scar -- ready for some Mederma I guess!
Texas357 - you did move fast with your hair didn't you? I was hoping to make it back to OH on 12/21 without having to wear my wig (then could get my buzz from the beautician) , but I'm thinking that is so NOT going to happen--that would be 19 days from first tx. Hope I can figure out how to get it on! Couldn't do any "wig training" classes because my (existing) hair is too thick for it to go over! Oh well, it will all work out. I did bring it with me. Everytime my head itches, I am thinking, maybe it's starting......or maybe it is just an itch....aaaaggghhh!
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Welcome Karen! I'm your neighbor to the north. I live just outside of Erie. I had my bilateral with expanders on October 24. Sorry you have to join our group, but you will love all the ladies here!
Write as much as you want!!!!!!!!!
Lisa
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The tape over my port is just some clear waterproof stuff so I can get in the shower. Otherwise, I have a few dissolving stitches in the little incisions. I keep feeling some pulling around the port but I do think it's still the tape. Otherwise, I'm good.
I have never had control of my hair. It's baby fine, thin and won't do anything. So, not having control of it falling out is par for the course. I know that going bald or wearing our hats and scarves gives us a change to educate people, but I sure hate "the puppy eyes, I sure feel sorry for you" looks. But I still haven't found a wig I'm happy with.
I get my first chemo tomorrow. All of you before me have made it a little easier to go and not be all freaked out. Well, I'm a little freaked out.
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Firni, don't be freaked out. Hopefully you will find that it's not as bad as you anticipate it to be. At least that is how it was for me. Now, I did get the nausea pretty quick - about 3 hrs. afterward. But my nurse said to just take the nausea pill right after the TX next time to prevent it from coming on. Good luck! Hugs, Elaine
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Simvog, zuffa - Day 5 was the dropped shoe day......my worst day for fatigue, and I still find that if I do not eat frequently I get weak. What is fun is what tastes good vs bad now!!!! My family will not let me cook since I have ZERO ability to taste salt, and can barely taste sweet - so Brenny the food that has been brought to me is going for them. I am enjoying plain McD hamburgers and fries, and baked spaghetti. I loved icecream..... but not now
I'm not sure how much longer the hair will last.... scalp is starting to itch and hair just keeps feeling weirder - I've liked my hair, but now I am ready to LET IT GO! So Thursday is the "take it off day".
Karen - welcome! Do what we have all learned to do - talk to your onc about your concerns and you may find that you do not have to be out the entire time. Just a few days of each cycle. Many of us work/have to be out and are trying to balance treatment and normal life. Anyway....
Day 8 (Dec 2 TC day) I feel decent, walked 3 miles in the rain and almost catching up on office paperwork. Taught class last night and energy level was good (not great, but adequate). Still twinges in the legs (Tylenol helps the accompanying pain) and now getting touches of heartburn if I don't eat often.
STILL WAY amazed at the resilience of this group!!!!!!
Mary
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hey ladies,
I hope everyone is doing okay today. I had my firstTC today. One little change instead of 4 rounds I am going to get 6. I have a new Oncologist as mine up and moved away. the new guy agrees with my diagnosis and plan except he said he would prefer 6 treatments. I had to agree. The more we throw at it the less likely it will come back for the third time. I am doing okay tonight a little muddle headed and funky but nothing I cant work thru. The weather here in the beautiful UP was anything but and we had a snow storm this morning to wade thru. The ladies in my chemo room were amazed when I brought my bag of goodies in and pulled out books and a blanket and snacks and water. Our center has water there but I hate the brand they use. I was starving by the time I got home though as I went in for 11:00 and of course wasnt done until after 2 so had a huge bowl of soup when I got home. Anything warm was what sounded good.
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Karen - Not sure what age your class is, but it might be that you could make this a great ongoing lesson for your group -- the cold and flu season, hand washing, hygiene, hugs, etc. At my first chemo, there was a 5th grade teacher whose mother is in treatment at our facility, and she has engaged her class - they are currently making fabulous paper stars to decorate the chemo suite. Depending on the age group, you may find something suitably appropriate without scaring your kids to death! I have found a couple wonderful children's books on the subject. I am back in the office and I don't think the grownups are much better with their habits! I am just enouraging my staff to stay home if they are sick and intend to stay away from others who are sneezing/coughing!
Sdavis - I had my gel gloves and socks to moisturize in the chemo suite and my portable DVD player, etc etc....oh and don't forget my sock monkey! Our center volunteers did bring soup/sandwiches and water/juice and ice cream/pudding during the day which I thought was lovely.
Good luck tomorrow, ladies!
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