Starting Chemo Aug 09

msmpatty

Donna - It is so funny, I was thinking about you today and wondering how your rads are going and then I pull up the board and you're here.    Good news on the hair front!

Lilah - I'm so jealous of your eyebrows.  I've got lashes...no brows!  Lends a vaguely 'Alien" look to my face.

Jenn - I find myself looking at men and thinking "If I only had that much hair, I could go commando.".  So sad!   I'm jealous of men's haircuts!   I've the opposite growth pattern as you and Donna...really thick on the top (plus sticking up with cowlicks everywhere), less thick but nicely behaved on the sides.

Taxol #10 done today.  Two more to go.   I should be jumping for joy that I have any hair at all!

I hope the Saints don't end up meeting the Chargers in the next few weeks.   This board could get ugly.  HA!

 Patty 

Lilah

Jenn -- Woo hoo on going commando!  I'm definitely not ready yet (still a 5 o'clock shadow look).

Patty -- LOL re: jealous of men's haircuts!  But you can wear short hair (even that short) if you want to!  I wish I had enough even for that.

Cheers,

Lilah

Kayel

Hi Gals~

Jenn~ Good for you going commando.  It feels great doesn't it?  I will be routing for your saints.  The Ravens have our 2nd playoff game tonight so if you are not a Colts fan send some good wishes our way.  Football season is so fun, I hate to see it end!!

Patty~ I asked my Oncologist about hair coloring and he said it was fine for me to get it done.  My hair reacted great.  It is a pretty blonde shade and very short with curls. I am getting alot of compliments.  I can not tell you what that has done for my mental state.  I actually am starting to feel my new "normal".  I still do not have much in the eyebrow and eyelash dept but my stylist colored my eyebrows as well.  It really helps.  My face looks warmer now instead of drained of color.  Even though my hair is shorter than most men I know it is a relief to go out without worrying about what is on my head.

I hope that each of you enjoys the weekend.  We finally got into the 40's and it feels like spring, lol.

YoYo44

Hi ladies,

I am so happy to hear of so many of you finishing chemo and having hair.  Congrats to you all.  It must be wonderful to start feeling a bit more "normal" (whatever that is...)  You are all certainly keeping me pumped.

Donna, glad to hear from you too.  I was wondering how you were doing.

Anyone heard from Kristen?  It has been a while.  Hope al is well and you are just busy with life, the universe and everything...

I had my first chemo of the new round Thursday.  It will be FEX100 x4, 3 week cycles.  Yeah!!  I was afraid it might be x 6.  It went ok but I had some nausea and vomiting at night and am now waiting to see what is next.  Supposed to be fatigue from the RBC and WBC death but not bad right now.  Expect the hair to go about Jan 26 finally.  I wonder how that will be with all the anticipation.  So all good so far.  Work is delayed some more which is what it is I guess.  My onc said people don't usually work and doesn't really want me working but the nurses said many women work, really a question of personal preference and SE's.  So I will wait out the first cycle and see.  My onc said if I kept my hair through THIS he would buy me dinner.  (heeheehee).  I told him that would be my goal but we would have it after chemo so I could have wine!!

My mother in law is here helping out and since I am feeling not too bad we decided to go see a movie tonight, my DH and me.  We are going to see Avatar and I am pretty excited.  Perhaps next cycle will be worse but, as they say. make hay while the sun shines!

Did I tell you ladies about when I found out I lost the eyelashes on one eye?  I had been working at home mostly in the fall but had a meeting first week of November in the office so got all dressed up and dolled up.  I was running late and had all my make up on except mascara and eyebrow pencil.  I realised I had lost half my left eyebrow-odd.  So I filled it in.  But then I started on the mascara nd realised I had lost the eyelashes on the upper right only!!!  OMG, too funny.  I was too late to remove it and wear none so I just tried a Tammy Fay Baker and coated the 5 or so remaining lashes with about 20 coats.  Too funny. Was hoping no one would notice as I wear glasses.

Take care and have a great weekend ladies!

Yo

Lilah

Yo -- good for you for keeping your spirits up and WTG on only having to have 4 more TX (instead of 6).  I say work if it helps your spirits   I know for me working was important and gave me a reason each week to rise above the SEs and move forward.  Hope you liked Avatar! 

Kayel -- love the blonde hair idea!  I was watching a Pink concert with my BF the other day (a concert called Funhouse) and she has short (though to me it looks LONG lol) hair died blonde and I thought: maybe this is my big chance to try being a blonde   Not enough hair yet but something to look forward to!

Cheers,

Lilah

jenn3

Wow - lots of activity.  I'm getting ready for the Saints game - I've had the television on all morning.  They've been showing lots of Saints stuff all day, tailgaters, stats, etc.... I can't get enough. 

Kayel - I normally cheer for the Colts because they have our New Orleans guy Peyton Manning as the quarterback. Last week I found myself cheering like crazy for the Ravens - I was so excited they won!!!  In all honesty, I'll probably end up cheering for both teams this week because I like the Ravens and Peyton w/the Colts.

Patty - Oh............ the Chargers are doing well too!  If our teams keep doing well we will have some fun................

YoYo - Sorry you have to do chemo again, but glad it's not too bad. Glad you have MIL helping out, mine was a godsend after my surgery and during chemo.  She still sends food over, but not quite as often.  I don't normally like SciFi movies, but I really liked Avatar - hope you enjoy it too. Your eyelash story is funny.  I think sometimes we need to really write down all of these stories, because looking back we can laugh at them.

Lilah - now that you have the 5 o'clock shadow the hair will follow.... pretty soon you'll be going commando.

Going commando felt great. I looked around the office and thought damn some of these men have longer hair than me, then I looked around again and thought ............... I have more hair than some of the men.  I also decided to not wear the scarve to dinner last night with DH - now that I've crossed that line - no more scarves.

Well............. I need to finish up and get my jambaylaya made before company comes over for the game.  Have a great day...................

Lilah

Jenn -- you're an inspiration!

Yo -- OMG I forgot to comment on the great eyelash story.  I will say this: having BC puts so much into perspective... and I, for one, have learned not to sweat the small stuff.  That story illustrates the lesson!

Cheers,

Lilah

jenn3

Lilah - Thanks!  I love reading your post - you always find a way to give people a lift up when they need it most and not just here - I've caught you're post on other threads too!  You are so right about no sweating the small stuff.............oh how BC changes our views on so many levels. 

This morning I finally got a walk in with the dogs - no scarf or bandana - I'm free............ Between the neuropathy, the terrible weather we've been having and some of my own excuses it's been one week - ugh!!!  I need to get out in the yard in a little while to clean my bird baths and feeders - then it should be time to shower and watch the Dallas/Viking game so that we can see who the Saints will be playing next week.  Both teams are really good - Dallas kicked our butts up and down the field last time we played them and well........ Brett Farve is just a great quaterback! 

Kayel - sorry your Ravens lost - I really do like them!!!

Patty - Today is the Chargers game - we'll be watching that one too!  I just love playoff season.. 

Hope everyone has a great Sunday!!!

Lilah

Aw thanks Jenn -- you're a sweetie!

msmpatty

Well...the Chargers played like a Pop Warner team.  Good luck to the rest of your teams!

Patty

jenn3

Patty - I was pulling for the Chargers - I really was.  Those damn Jets somehow got refueled right at the end of the game.  The Saints will have to come on strong to beat the Vikings - they really looked good. 

I'm back at work two weeks and already have a holiday - I'm off today.  I walked the dogs again this morning, read the paper with my coffee and am getting ready to go shopping.  My daughter is taking a trip to D.C. in a few weeks and needs warmer clothing that what we have. We're told they will spend a lot of time outside walking from one place to another.  So....... we're off to see what we can find.  Otherwise, it's online shopping.  Warmer socks, coats and clothes to layer under what she has.

msmpatty

Jenn - Thanks for the support, but we probably deserved to lose.  Oh well...there's always next year.  Good luck with your shopping.   When you live in a warm climate it is easy to jump on a plane without considering what the weather is on the other end.  BRRRRRR....   I'll be pulling for the Saints this weekend.

Patty

jenn3

Patty - My daughter is so worried she'll be cold, she has me buying all of this stuff that won't get much use unless she takes some more trips up north. We have extra warm socks, new boots, thermal under clothing........ new gloves, new hat........She wants a new coat - but she has a really good coat that is warm.  Oh well....... we'll figure it out.  

I did like the Chargers, as did my co -workers, we talked about the game this morning and really hoped the Charges would have pulled it off.  Next year..........Now it's to scream "Who Dat", wear your black and gold and cheer on the Saints.  Everyone in the city is so wound up - the game can't come soon enough...............   

jenn3

Another full day at work again today - whew. These full work days are wearing me out.  I really got used to staying home and taking naps when needed.  Overall, I don't feel too bad - just tired.  I do enjoy being back a work.  And............... this week is the week leading up to the NFC Championship game between the Saints and the Vikings.  The Saints fever is big and I love being in the city for stuff like this.  Leaving the parking garage today I saw Vikings fans pulling in - I'm sure they were getting ready to check into one of the hotels attached to the garage.  We've all been wearing Saints clothing and accessories all week and Friday will of course be the big day - the powers that be has said we can drop the professional attire and wear either our jersery's or Saints clothes as long as it's in good taste.  Yipeeeeeee.  Can't wait for Friday - I'll have to get together with some friends at lunch and go walking through the Quarter  - it's so much fun during big events.

YoYo44

Hi Ladies,

I was thinking of you today Lilah.  I went to get a fill and I feel so blocky now.  I keep bumping myself on our granite kitchen table and not feeling it.  I am calling myself Pinocchio now!

I had the last of the steroids for this round yesterday so I am feeling my energy levels drop.  But still feel pretty good overall.  Gotta like that.  Just wondering when the hair will start to fall now. 

Take care,

 Johanna

Lilah

Johanna -- so bumping into tables makes you think of me? LOL  Well it is nice to be thought of   I am definitely doing better with the smaller fills... less pain and it lasts for a shorter time.  I'm impatient to be done but have to say that the tradeoff (more fills over a longer time but less pain while in fill mode) is worth it. 

Any chance you won't lose your hair Johanna?  I met a woman in the waiting room at my PS's office on Monday who did not lose hair with chemo because she had, I believe, CMF (not ACT).  I guess it's the A (Andriomiacin) that makes you lose your hair.  Can't remember what it was you were getting this round Johanna.  Whatever it is I hope the SEs are small.

Lilah

msmpatty

Jenn - Last night, as I headed off to bed at 7:48pm (!), I thought about you.   I'm sorry work is tiring you out.   I find that weeks where my schedule is normal I'm okay, but anything extra...a big meeting, an evening out...just completely wears me out.  Sounds like your daughter will be bundled up!  Saints fever in NOLA for sure!

Johanna - Unfortunately, the "A" pretty much trashes your hair.   Mine went on about day 17 after my first treatment.   But maybe you'll be lucky again ... and win that dinner with your Onc!  

Lilah - You are too funny!  

Taxol #11 on Friday.   I'm suddenly getting very impatient to be done.   Almost there!

Patty

Lilah

Patty and Jenn -- hang in there!  Your old stamina will definitely return   Mine has!  I am now oh I think it's 10 weeks PFC... I am trying not to be too precious about counting.  More hair on my head now... I look like I was turned upside down and dipped in lead shavings (and they clung to my head) -- nice image huh?  Much darker color, it seems to me, than my old hair (which was a medium brown).  I'm actively rooting for black hair but wavy, not curly.  I can dream can't I?

Lilah

msmpatty

Lilah - I couldn't resist your new post before I sign off.   Lead shavings!  Great image!  That's exactly what mine looked like when it first came in.  But now it is much lighter.   I'd like to think my blonde hair is returning, but I'm afraid that maybe it is just gone white.  Yikes. I'm dreaming of stick-straight, I've had it with waves.   I hope we both get our wishes!

Patty

Lilah

I'm thinking I may need to start a new thread: Addicted to BCO.

It's a good thing I'm teaching tomorrow! 

Thanks for laughing Patty - and for confirming that this is normal!  Ah so maybe when there is more of it, it will be my normal color (no grey, ty, I can do without that).

Lilah

jenn3

Y'all are making me laugh.......... Hair - BCO addicition. Since I've started back to work I've noticed I have this urge to check into BCO - I miss it.  Around lunch time when things are quite I check into BCO to feed the addiction.  As for the hair - as short as it is I had a bad hair day yesterday.  It was humid so my hair kept sticking up because there isn't enough to make a curl yet.  It made for a good laugh with me and my co-workers.

Patty - I do notice that when I have a normal day I'm fine, but add a little extra and I'm exhausted.  We've been really busy at work, plus a lot going on with my daughter getting ready to leave town, she just had her winter formal, it's her senior year, my car in the shop - I guess these are normal days I'm just not ready for them and working full time 

Lilah - my hair like yours started really dark, then I noticed lighter colors - I was hoping it was blond, but I'm afraid it's white.  The good news is after the white comes in our regular color comes back.

Lilah

Jenn -- oh joy re: white hair -- I never had any before!  Actually, to me the funniest thing (at this eensy weensy length) is that when I get out of the shower it's all standing straight up!  I can see exactly how long it is. Then on goes my wig cap and wig and it's back to smashed flat against my head until the next shower.

Lilah

msmpatty

Jenn - it is comforting to know that after the white the normal color comes in BUT...what the heck is my "normal" color?   I lost track of it years ago with all the highlighting and low lighting and what not.   I always said I no intention of ever finding out that my hair was greying.  Guess I'll find out now! 

Lilah -  your little sticky-up bits sound charming!

Patty

jenn3

I don't know Patty - you may still never know if you start dying the white hair.  Or you could make a game of it and take bets from friends and family as to what they think you're real color is and try............... to let it grow.  I will say when it's long enough and I am full of white hair - I will be dying it.

msmpatty

Jenn - Yep..I'll be dying it too if it plans on staying white...or grey...or some other scary color.  For now, I'm just happy to have it!   How are you doing with the pain?

Taxol #11 DONE!   

Patty

Lilah

Woohooo Patty!!!!

jenn3

I was actually starting to get some pain relief from the neuropathy with the Neurontin.  However.......my crazy life popped up again - I had/am having an allergic reaction to the Neurontin and had to stop it.  My legs and feet are swollen.  Ugh!!! I'll talk to the onc and onc rad on Monday.  If it's not one thing it's another. 

Today I will be cleaning house and getting ready for the big game tomorrow Saints v Vikings.  The city is in overdrive.  I work downtown and everyone on the streets, offices and shops were wearing either Saints jersey's or Black and Gold.  It really is fun and distracting everyone from their worries or problems. 

Patty  - Congrats!!! I'm so glad you finished chemo - what a great feeling. 

Hope everyone is doing well and has a great day.

YoYo44

Hi Ladies,

Happy Sunday!  Hope you are all having a nice weekend.  We had dinner last night with a friend from chemo and are generally havig a nice weekend.  It is supposed to get kind of ugly weather wise though with rain and above freezing temps.  While I don't like the cold, the slush and mess is not nice either.  Oh well, spring is coming!!

I am starting to get that familiar tingling feeling in my scalp... It's only a matter of time!  The FEC that I am getting has a drug related to the A in AC (epirubicin) so it is supposed to be 100% hair loss.  So it is just a matter of time.  But it would be fun to tease my onc some more!  Overall the SE's are not bad so far.  Bad first night and now perma indigestion but I got a drug called Pantaloc that I take each day that is helping with that.  Honestly though, it's the hotflashes that wake me up all the time that bug me the most.  I was told I could take Effexor for that but I am trying to avoid it.  I went from never taking any medication to being a walking pharmacy now!  Io know you all can relate. This Thursday I will go in for the blood tests to see what is going on with the WBC's.  Hopefully not sinking too low.  Fatigue is not bad so that is a good sign.

Oh Jenn, you and your crazy luck.  Hang in there it will be over at some point.  Think of all the good kharma you are building up.  When are you starting radiation?  I am not sure who else is having radiation in our group any more.  I guess Donna is almost done.

Patty, how fantastic, #11.  Are you going to 12 or is it done.  It's great having the end in sight.

Lilah, hope you are enjoying your new shape. I have never been so big chested but unfortuately I look more like Ben Grim-The Thing, than Pamela Anderson.  And I will be getting bigger to finish the process!  I hadn't really thought about that aspect of the TE's, and with the radiation they may be in for a while.  Oh boy!  I guess I will have to figure out how to deal with that as it comes. Hope you are doing OK with the fills.  I finally feel betetr after last Wednesday.

take care all!,

Yo

jenn3

Good morning - wanted to check in before the day got busy.  We will be watching football all day today - company coming over in time for the Saints v Vikings game.  Around lunch time I'll start working working on the Gumbo.   My aches and pains are really coming alive now - I'm having my port removed Moday so can't take anything that will thin the blood, which of course takes away all medications I use for the arthritis.  And......... I start radiation Monday - busy day.   The rheumatologist and I played phone tag for two days and I lost.  Guess I'll start the game again on Monday.  I'm not sure if it's on this thread or somewhere else, but someone suggested I ask about Celebrex, which I think I'll do since I can't take Methotrexate until after radiation.  Pain or not I'm in a good mood, I love football and am praying that the Saints finally make it all the way!!!

Yo - glad to hear from you and that you're doing okay in spite of having to go through chemo again.  I hear ya' on the hotflashes - they're terrible and like you I just don't want to add another medication to my list.  I'm so sorry you have to lose your hair again.  My fingers are crossed that your WBC will stay elevated.

Lilah - How are you feeling?

Hope everyone has a great day!

msmpatty

YoYo - I'm glad to hear that your first SEs are not too bad.  One down, three to go!

Jenn - Go Saints!   Sounds like you do have a busy Monday, I hope all goes well.

I have one more Taxol on Friday...then done with chemo!

Patty