Starting chemo January 2009?

lisalisa

just took a shower....day 13.  my hair is starting to fall out

my girlfriend is supposed to cut it today.  just called her.  no answer.  ugh.  i will cut it myself if need be (or have a non-hairdresser friend do it).  i have to cut it before more falls to make into an underhair wig.

 ack!  nothing could prepare me for this  

lisalisa

update.  my girlfriend, liz, is coming over in one hour to cut my hair off for me.  i'm just sitting here crying.  my 9 yr old son actually laughed when i told him why i was crying.  and, from a 9 yr old boys perspective, i guess it is kinda funny.  so, at least i got a good laugh in too.

auriga

I am so sorry lisa. I have been following your threads because I also have a full head of thick hair. It truly is my best feature. I was stupidly hoping that maybe I will be a miracle patient and it won't come out. My first treatment is tomorrow. To hear that your hair is falling slaps all this into reality for me.

However, I think it is a good thing you are taking the bull by the horn and cutting it all off. Bring it on! I am woman, hear me roar!

Good luck to you

jrgolomb

My heart goes out to you ,Lisa.  I am glad your son was able to make you laugh.  I am also glad your friend was able to make it over there to cut your hair. 

Hugs,

Jess

marthamm

Hi Everyone -

Hope everyone is doing okay.  

Lisa - I'm really sorry about your hair.  I know it sucks but eventually we'll all get our hair back, at least that's what I tell myself when I really miss my hair.

Martha

AZStacey2008

Lisa, I'm sorry the hair coming out is so traumatic.  I had very long thick curly hair prior to diagnosis.  I got it cut to shoulder length prior to my mastectomy and then had some more cut off just to have some sense of control.  I started my chemo on Jan 2 and the nurse told me that it would start to come out in about 2 weeks or so too.  My husband is going to shave my head when the hair starts to fall out and I've already got my wig too.

I'm so glad you shared your experience though because it helps me know I'm not alone when the day comes.  Hang in there!!!!!  Hugs....Stacey

lisalisa

Thank you for all the support.

 My hair is now gone....I sort of look like my older brother LOL!

I cried and cried all morning.  I had my DH take the kids out to my son's basketball game and then to lunch.  My good friend, Liz, came over and cut my hair off section by section to be sent away for my wig.  Then, she trimmed what was left to about 1/2".

I put on a pretty scarf that I saved from long ago when I used to work and wear scarves with my suits (like 10 years ago LOL!).  Anyway, I'm feeling OK.  I don't want to go in public yet as I want to warm up to this new look.  But, I'm feeling better than I expected.

rsben70

lester63, I have been thinking about menapause too, I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago but kept my ovaries but I have been told that chemo will kick me into menapause(I'm 38) so I wasn't quite ready for that. ( starting chemo 1/16) so I am right behind you.

I prayer for you all, we WILL get through this together.........

kt57

Lisa,  Sorry for your tough day.. a good laugh with your boy and a good long cry can be healing.  How long til your real hair wig arrives....so cool to get that part of you back...that will be healing too.

Auriga, good luck tomorrow....I'm on day 3 after first treatment.  It was sooooo good to get the first one over.   So far so good.

Kathy

auriga

kt27:

Thanks. I'm so nervous. Although it helps so much to see that you are on day 3 and you're doing OK so far. Maybe I really can do this without screaming.

Kathy too

Brenny

Just an fyi - I am 10 days after tx2 (TC) and I am working straight through - have only missed the treatment day.  It is doable, depending on your SEs.

Brenny

BerkeleyKim

Lisa--I'm crying right along with you--for so many reasons! I still haven't gotten up the nerve for my haircut, and I think I'm just about a week behind you. This stinks, but we'll make it through and have hair again.

I think I'll go crawl back into bed. Didn't sleep well last night for the 1st time since 1st treatment. Going to see an accupuncturist next week. Need some help with my arm.

Congrats to all who made it through their txs last week. On we go...

Sue and Brenny: Good to hear about being able to work. I teach and am agonizing over what to do. I'm going in to visit the kids this week, and maybe I'll get a doc's note to return for the next week. I don't want to overdo it, but I know it would do me some good to get out of the house. It just seems like it will take a lot of planning (teeth brushing, mouth rinsing, all the other self-maintenance things).

kim

Hawaii808

I'm glad to hear that everyone's first treatment seemed to have gone rather well with contollable SEs.

Brenny and Sue - I also plan to work thru the treatments.  Its encouraging to hear that you were able to work.

Lisa - Sorry to hear about the hair thing.  I'm preparing as much as possible for losing my hair but I know it will be traumatic also.  Got to try to keep our sense of humor though the whole thing.  Your son certainly has the right perspective.  I've jokingly asked my friends to shave their heads also to show support but so far no takers.  LOL.  I ordered a wig from TLC but the shade was a bit too light so I'm returning it for darler shade.  The wigs definitely need some styling.  I'm taking it to my hair stylist to have it shaped and make it look like my currently hair style.  Hope it works out.

Well, I'm so ready to start and want to get the 1st treatment behind me.  My 1st treatment will be on 1/8.  Its seems that I've been spending the last few weeks preparing and waiting. 

sweeeeetpam

Hi Lisa,      the place I went to is called Sunny Beauty shoppe but it is mostly wigs...www.sunnysbeautysupply.com their prices are pretty good, and the wigs have a adjustable band in the back for all sizes of heads. If I can fiqures out how to take a picture and put it on here I will!!!

               I believe that if you don't like the wigs you can return them, in your case you would have to order them by mail!!

              I was on A/c and only went throught 2 cycles once then off for 3 weeks I was also told you can only do the red medicine four times because your heart cannot take more than that??

                 They took 21 nodes and only 3 had cancer my whole breast insides and margins were clear, so I don't know where I go from here, have apt end of monthe with oco but may try to move it up.

              I worked everyday,drink a lot of water the night before and the 2 days of that helps it run throught your system!!!

            I also had a pet scan, a ct scan, and a mri 2 biosphys ,and a megu scan, before starting chemo, be careful because insurance does not like to pay for the mri which I will fight to the death!!!                      They want us to fight this cancer but they don't want to pay for the things that help us cure it??  I better get off my soap box now..........sorry................6 days out of surgery very sore but ok  strange things coming out of my drians that are mostly dryed up!!! Thank goodness out tomorrow someone please ell at me to go exercise my arms...........I have never exercised a day in my LIFE!!!I can raise my arm above my head so I guess that is  good thing.

         hey was anyone else wrapped in a ace bandage when they woke up?????Sometimes I wish we could just all meet and talk, Stacy you are from mesa, AZ and one else?? i live in Gilbert and work out of Mesa??

     My thoughts are with all of you . Lisa have fun with your wig hunting.........that was my saddest part of all of this................Pamela 

sweeeeetpam

Hi Stacey hope you caught this thread where are you doing chemo?? I go to a cancer place on 64th st by broadway??  I think I have talked with you before?? Need to run Pamela

jillyG

Hi everyone, I start chemo tomorrow.  It's my first of 4 AC in 21 day cycles.  I am not very nervous, but maybe that will change when I get there   I am wig shopping tomorrow as well.  My friends and I will probably get together and have a head shaving party when it starts to fall out. 

Pamela, I can't imagine having to fight with insurance companies to get treatment or tests paid for.  I'm in Canada so everything is just automatically paid for, we don't pay for care at all.  We don't pay for visits to doctors or oncologists or surgery or tests or anything.  We have no limits on who we can see or where to get treatment, it's just your own choice.  I could not handle dealing with finances at a time like this.  Of course, I am sitting in Alberta in -40 where you have to run to your car or you are in PAIN from the cold.....and some of you are walking on beaches so it's a trade-off lol.  I'd much rather be getting well in Florida!!

Off to bed, didn't sleep last night, too much anxiety about the "unknown".  just can't wait to get the first tx out of the way so I can know what to expect.  Have a great night ladies! 

BevR

Good luck jillyG!

I go in for my port in just a little while......I feel much more calm this morning.....hope it lasts!

Kim25

Good morning ladies. I have been reading post since September when I was diagnosed.  It was very helpful reading everyones suggestions and being guided. I thought I should add some of my own now.  I finished 4 rounds of A/C on December 18th and had my first of 4 rounds of  Taxol on Jan 2. My A/C treatments went as planned and the only side effects I did encounter were those from the Nulasta and the steroids.  I was able to deter the mouth sores by removing all acidic foods and drinks. I also did not eat any salty or sharp foods before my treatment.  My doctor has been amazed by how good my mouth is.  I also used sensodyne  toothpaste which has helped.  Regarding hair loss "go with it" as the Kenneth Cole commercial states "We all walk in different shoes" There are great pictures in the commercial especially of a beautiful model who is bald. I did not go with the wig, but did purchase soft baseball caps and turbans. However, I have stopped wearing anything due to the fact my head was getting so hot that I could actually increase my body temperature by 5 degrees.  

One thing that I wanted to add was I am a teacher, high school coach and aunt to 12 nieces and nephews and if it were not for the simple honesty of children and young adults I would be an emotional wreck.  My team of high school soccer players were the strength I needed in the beginning with my diagnosis. They surrounded me with their love, honesty and strength. My 7 and 8th grade students have endured the hair loss and my crazy humor and they think bald is beautiful.  My niece who is 4 thinks she should cut her hair to be like aunt kimmy and my Varsity basketball team is working so hard to WIN one for the coach.  They just don't realize I have won already with them supporting my decision to stay on as the new Head coach.

If you can surround yourselves with children or young adults the strength you get from them can be amazing. Be strong out there we will endure.

jrgolomb

Thanks Kim for the encouragement.  I will probably try the wig , but hope to just wear the hats unless the school admin has trouble with it.  I agree, the students have been what has helped me . 

ChrisBern

Hi Kim,

 I'm on the same regiment: 4 AC + 4 Taxol. I had my first AC last week and wondering now how is Taxol. What are its SE? How do you feel so far?

ddlatt

hi chrisbern - how was your first AC experience? any SE's so far? i can't remember if you have a port. i'm waiting to hear when i start AC  - any day now. 

Brenny

Jan ladies -

Do check out your ACS Look Good-Feel Better Program is you have not already done so - many of us have attended the one night session and received (at no cost) a wonderful bag of cosmetics donated by folks like MaryKay, Chanel, Lancone, etc etc etc.  Good wig/scarf pointers as well. 

In addition, we have a wonderful BC support group that meets monthly at our facility--a different topic each month and lots of fellowship and sharing.

Bren

principessa

thanks lisa,

the port is getting better- i am almost over this cold- but now i feel like everyone around me is sick- i just want to buy a bubble and stay in it- is that wrong???    (i'm just kidding)

Holtbolt- I'm in Woodbury I would love to move someplace warmer- when I 'grow up' I have made a promise that I will move someplace warmer.  It doesn't have to be tropical, just warmer!!  Hope the weather is better- it was below zero on my way in to work this morning!!  boooo MN weather.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!  You are all in my prayers.

a

Kim25

Your admin should be fine with anything you do.  This is a great opportunity to teach and open may peoples eyes. Students are very honest and want nothing but honesty when its comes from their teachers.  It also give them an outlet to talk if they are in any way affected by this in their lives. You can't imagine how many students came forward and just opened up about how cancer has effected their lives and they never shared it with anyone.  Good luck

Kim25

Hi Chris, I received emeds before my A/C treatments and made sure I drank ALOT of water before each treatment and during it.  I am a teacher and am used to drinking at least 24 ounces of water during a 6 hour school day.(can be more depending on the day)  So I found drinking alot helped.I also made sure that I ate carbs for dinner(plain pasta, bread mashed potatoes corn muffins) I didn't use any butter but used jelly on muffins and bread. My nurse commented that my water intake really helps. I also took one preventative nausea  pill the night of treatment.  As long as my stomach was full the nausea didn't take over.  I had to stop drinking green tea I think it made my food digestion go too fast.  I just had my first taxol on jan 2 and unfortunately I wasn't able to go back to work today, my joints from the waist down are very painful.  I have only missed work the day after treatments so that I could sleep. I have opposite reactions to steroids and I sleep but unfortunately get very red in the face. I am a very impatient person and hope the pain is gone by tomorrow I miss my students we have been on break since Dec22

rsben70

Hi all thanks for all the hints for chemo, I am sure to be trying them soon. praying for all.

BerkeleyKim

Kim--Thanks for the encouragement. My first AC was 12-30, and I felt really achey--sore under arms, neck,head--the day after the Neulasta shot. I'm also feeling congested (allergies, but maybe also since I'm on the Avastin trial, and maybe getting it, who knows), and have had what I figure must be heartburn off and on (never had it before).  It's hard for me to sort out my continuing arm/chest numbness with other symptoms. I think I'll call my BS today. I too turned pretty red--but my students are used to that as I had hot flashes through the day.

 Regarding teaching, I just spoke with my sped. supervisor, and she mentioned I should clearly outline accommodations for going back to work (have dr. put them in note). We are having some "administrative" concerns at our school and she feels I need to protect myself. Any insight as to what to put in?

Sorry to hear about the Taxol SE. I hope you find a remedy.

Good luck to everyone this week with new txs, port placements, hair. Does anyone know how long it takes to get stuff sent from the TLC website? I think I'll try one of those wigs, as I don't know if I'll ever feel comfortable wearing the Gabor

Hugs, Kim (Berkeley, that is)

lisalisa

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to wish everyone good luck this week with their treatments!

I'm off shortly to do my first lymphedema massage/physical therapy treatment.  Then, back to the plastic surgeon to check on my abdomen incision.  Its a little "messy" in the middle and we need to make sure that its not getting infected due to chemo.  I'm on antibiotics but need to know that this will heal. 

I'm feeling better about my hair today.  I'm wearing a cute pink knit hat and fun scarf.  Good thing its a cold day in so cal today.  Hopefully the UPS man will deliver my underhair as planned!

rsben70

I just don't know if I want to do the wig thing, I may feel different when I don't have hair, my DH wants me to get a wig I just want some cut hats and scarfs. I don't know. I am starting with 4 tx of Taxol followed by 4 tx of AC.  Doing my treatments on Fridays to have the weekend so I can continue to work as long as I can.

ChrisBern

Thank you Kim for the info regarding the Taxol SE - Hope they will be over soon.

Deborah, my first chemo shot was difficult the first day. I have been sick from 6pm to 10 pm (threw out 4 times). My nurse told me she will change the meds dose at my next chemo shot next week. She thinks that because I'm a young man, I maybe need different meds.

Overall, the first 48 hours are the most difficult (nausea, lost of appetite)

Day 3 to day 5 are not bad.

Since then, I'm feeling top shape, like a 31 years old man! My apetite is back and i'm eating enormous amount of food (as usual!).

By the way, I didn't have a port. It's not in the philosophy of my hospital and I don't know why.

Chris