Starting Chemo Feb 2010?

CinD

Faithfulc, I'm glad you mentioned dry skin. This is my 10th day after my 2nd treatment, and my hands are dry and the skin is a little red and sore around my knuckles and joints of my fingers. The same thing happened around the same time after my first treatment. I rubbed vaseline over both hands then put plastic gloves over them for about an hour, and that has seemed to help some. Last time, after doing the same, the redness went away completely in a couple of days. It's more of a minor irritation, so I'm not complaining. Plus, it's a great way to get my husband to do the dishes.

I had to smile over the strong Irish hair genes. I'm part Irish, and 31 days after my first treatment, I still have hair on my head. It's thin, especially on top and at the back of my head towards the top, but the sides have much more than I ever expected. We cut what's left of my hair short last week, expecting it to completely fall out, but it hasn't yet. A baseball cap hides the thin areas while letting what's left to show at the bottom. It actually looks normal with the cap, at least for now. Haven't noticed any eyelashes or eyebrows thinning yet.

Sending good thoughts to those having treatment tomorrow. I hope everyone feels well and is taking some time to enjoy life.

Cindy 

cbranner

This is my first post. My second tx will be on Thursday and I have to say so far it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. 

faithfulc - I'm having the same SE's and I thought I was going crazy with the itchy soles. I thought it was my imagination about the purple band at the base of my thumbnails and I've started that darn eye twitch on the left eye.

My hair was coming out so fast my DH finally just shaved it for me yesterday. He now officially has more hair than I do. Started having some problems with my kidneys, but I think that's due to not being aggressive with drinking enough water. I also had the worst outbreak of acne since I was a teenager. Has anyone else experienced that?? Otherwise I'm blessed to be feeling pretty good.

I am thrilled to see the support expressed on this group and hope I can return the favor. 

me2u

hi hi cbranner, glad to have found this forum right this place has given me answers, peace and encouragement for my coming treatments. remember to drink lots of fluids, its important ya.

mofend

Hi!  Well, it's another beautiful day here in Pennsylvania (I know 50 degrees may not seem like heat wave to some, but it's huge here!).  Good day to take a long walk.  Day six after second treatment and I feel pretty good.  The probiotics have definitely helped to keep the thrush at bay this time.  The one annoying thing is the major hair stubble - it looks awful.  Is this going to fall out?  I thought I had an okay looking bald head until I saw the back of my head by holding a mirror to it - oh, my - it's not pretty.  I have a birthmark on the back of my head and some lovely scars from growing up with rough brothers.  Add the various colors of intermittent stubble and my head looks like a rotten fruit!   Does the stubble come out after the second treatmen?  I'm hoping so.  My daughter comes home from college today so it will be interesting seeing her reaction to the new look!  Thank goodness for scarves and such.  Hope you all are feeling well today - I'm just happy to be having such minimal SE's - that's a blessing.  Hugs to all - Mo

faithfulc

cbranner, welcome.  I just sent you a private message.

faithfulc

Mo, good to hear you are feeling good and your daughter is coming home.  I have stubble, mostly in the crown area, and they are about 1/8".  It's about 2 weeks after my second treatment, so I'm curious to see if all this will fall out, too.  (Hair started falling about 2 weeks after first treatment.)  According to some who have gone through treatments, supposedly I won't have to worry about stubble any more after a couple of treatments.  We shall see. 

I've not had to shave under arm on my legs, but still have hair down south (although thinned out quite a bit).  And you know what?  This past weekend I realized I no longer need my hair dryer on the counter (duh!) so in the closet it goes.  Less clutter...  Sometimes when I pull out a sweater or sweatshirt that I haven't worn for a few weeks, I'll notice some pieces of my hair that got stuck on them.  I just smile and pull them off. 

AmyIsStrong

Ladies - just dropping in to leave a note re the stubble. (I finished TCH in August, and am almost finished Herceptin now).  I had a lot of stubble too  and hated it - I actually felt it was WORSE than being bald.  I never shaved it.  BUT - the payoff came when chemo was done as I had a BIG headstart in regrowth, rather than starting from a perfectly smooth head. (Sorry to you totally bald ladies reading this.)  The ladies in my group were checking the mirror daily looking for the first lone hairs to peek through, where my stubble starting growing right away and I was able to go topless 2 months out. It was very short but passable. 
While the stubble is annoying - it is going to help you later, so embrace it. You will be GLAD when you see those little short hairs getting longer, I PROMISE.

Keep on keeping on. You guys are doing so well!  You are into the middle of it now, and it is going to go fast. You will be finishing up before you know it. I know it is hard to believe, but you will agree with me when you are on the other side of it!

Amy

burley

I'm day 5 after my second treatment, and my stubble is coming out like crazy-almost completely gone except for a little patch at the top of my head.  A girlfriend that went through chemo told me to rub my head with a washcloth in the shower, and that has done the trick  Because, like you Mo, the back of my head looked like rotting fruit!  I feel much better almost completely bald...it's not smooth like Mr. Clean, though.  Stubbly feeling, although I can't see the stubble.  My kids, however...not so thrilled with the completely bald look!

Today was the first day I caught the "chemo smell" coming out of my pores...ugh.  I had SO HOPED I wouldn't have to deal with that.  I didn't ask the husband if he can smell it-I don't really want to know the answer.

I was told to take my acrylic nails off before starting chemo, so my nails just look like crap in general.  They're still healing from 17 years of "fake nails", so I don't notice anything different about them except being incredibly weak.  My cuticles are red and torn due to severe dry skin.  I can say, my SE's have been surprisingly mild including:  obvious loss of hair, fatigue, dry skin, dry mouth, and now the "chemo smell..."

I hope everyone has a terrific day!

Iamstronger

HI Ladies,

I had my 2nd round of chemo yesterday. 1/3 of the way done-YEAH!  I am feeling okay.  Hate the no sleep that happens the day of the chemo.  But, other than that I am doing well.  Feel so fortunate for very manageable side effects. 

I too am Irish and still have my hair.  It is coming out though.  Today was probably the biggest hair loss day yet.  Hubby is ready to do the shave when it is time.  I figure I probably won't make it through the week.  But who knows.

Burley, as for the chemo smell, my husband says he can't smell it at all.  He thinks that it is my sense of smell.  He says I smell just the same as before.  I do think he is being honest about it.

Hope every has very little SE and is doing well.

Ezscriiibe

Well, shaved the head today. My stylist did it for me, so I was at the salon. The women who were there were making a conscious effort NOT to look in my direction and so many of them had this "deer in headlights" look when they did.

That's when I decided I would NOT put on my hat before I left. I figured, "Ladies, this is what cancer is all about. I won't hide from it. We can't pretend that we don't have friends, sisters, mothers, daughters who are dealing with this."

I have been uncovered all day. I thought I would be embarrassed, but I'm not at all.

I had to go deal with a medical emergency with my mom (it ended up being something minor), and I was all over town running errands because of it. . . so I had to meet and deal with LOTS of people today.....nekkid headed. 

It ended up fine. I was not in the least bit self-conscious and I thought I would be.

Leah58

I had my 2nd TC chemo treatment today.  It was a smooth process.  Yeah!   I felt brave and  comfortable with my scarf and cute hat.  No wig today.  Someone mentioned above that wearing hats, scarves, and bald heads with a smile brings kind smiles back to us.  It is too cold to go bare headed here yet.  I have stubble remaining from my buzz awhile ago but now the stubble is trying to come out.  

Blessings to all of you no matter where you are on your journey.  Neulasta injection tomorrow!  I have my Claritin ready to take in the a.m.  Just waiting and kind of prepared for the SEs.

Iamstronger

Ezscriiibe-that is fantastic to hear.  You go girl!

MomoB

Hello Ladies,

Hope all of you are having a good start to your day!  I just wrote a post and lost it when

I tried to edit some errors!  Will try again later!

cbranner, good job taking charge of the hair loss!  My grandsons aren't crazy about me

being bald, either.  It is freaking them out that I am losing my hair.  I may just go and

have it buzzed so I won't have to deal with slow thinning!  I am also in Texas and go to

MD Anderson.  I love it there, most of the time!

leta17

After TX  #3 -I am seeing/feeling some of the cumulative effects.  I was more tired this time around, and will take it easy right after my next TX and not try to overdo my activities or rather childrens activities:) 

My bottom is sore and using Tucs pads to keep area clean:)  I think it is the lack of hair down there, it is getting irritated more easily.

Sticky eyes and dry skin, my onc said to up my water intake not only the days following TX but every day.  I thought I was doing a good job but I am increasing the water and my eyes, at least haven't been as sticky.

I have had some inner ear pain, knee pain, and a lump in my throat.  Turns out I have thrush this time, sore throat, so got the mouth swish, the inner ear and knee pain is from the Neulasta, apparently it can hit various areas, but it is already subsiding here on day 7.

My upswing in overall feeling after tx turned the corner today day 7 vs. day 5 on previous tx's.  Still thankful, it isn't worse:)

Hoping my daughters cough eases, apparently whooping cough can last up to 100 days!!  She sounds terrible, but is funcioning like a trooper!  Whole family is on Antibiotics to protect us from the WC.

It is another great sunny day here, will go for a walk today and take in some needed Vitamin D!!!

Take care and be well!!

Leta

salsoda62

Hello all, I had my hair CHOPPED on Sunday and actually got a lot of nice comments at work yesterday, which cheered me up. Today I have AC #2, and am hoping it goes as smoothly as the first one. My hair is coming out more noticeably today, so a buzz may be in my immediate future. I've got my wigs at the ready... Unfortunately I also got a wicked cold and cough, which has actually made me feel worst than at any point in the chemo thus far, but I think it is better today.

I'm sending good wishes to all those who are doing their treatments this week, and to all those who have already gotten them, hope that the SE's are minimal. We're getting through this!

lindee629

Hello....Just found this site as I was searching for answers about my chemo side affects.

Was Dx'd in Dec 09, had lumpectomy and lymph node removal in Jan, followed by revision of margins one week later. 9 nodes removed, 1 pos. Had my Port placed 4 days before my first round of chemo which was Feb 2. I am getting 4 rounds AC, followed by 4 of Taxol. The nausea/fatigue/ hair loss not too bad...the Port site is still painful, like my shoulder joint is out of place, and it is very positional--the nurses say they have never seen anything like it, but its better than trying to run the chemo thru my little peripheral veins. After my 2nd round developed tachycardia, and now apparently I have reflux. It's like something caught in my throat....I feel like a cat with a hairball. Was reading that the reflux and the tachycardia are something that other women have experienced. SO at least I can now relate it to the chemo. I was very worried about the tachycardia...prior to the chemo my resting HR was in the 40-50 range. Now its around 80 and jumps up to over 100 with any exertion. I used to work out a few times a week, now I can barely walk to my car.  But from what I have been reading, it gets better. Thanks for the encouragement girls!  

writer

Welcome, cbranner, and ezscriiibe, you go girl! I have become the same way. Last night I had a big book signing (I'm a publisher), and a month ago I assumed I'd wear my wig, but my wig still freaks me, so I wore a hat and didn't care at all. I'm baring it a lot, too, and no one has stared or looked at me funny. It helps that I still have good eyebrows and eyelashes. 

I'm day 10 after tx #2, and doing fine except for the ENDLESS cough/sore throat/congestion. I know it's a bug and not just SE, because now my husband has it, but in my case I've had it for flippin' ever (3 weeks?) and it just won't go away. My throat is more sore now than a week ago.... maybe that's side effects. It's so hard to know what is what.

Leta, is your thrush just in your throat? How did you know it was thrush? I don't have any mouth sores, just the usual metal mouth weirdness. Wondering if my sore throat is thrush?? I have a call into my nurse practitioner, too. I had to be out in the cold last night, and my cough was worse than ever when I went to bed, which just doesn't seem right having had it for so long. I did a week of antibiotics a while ago, and that didn't do anything, so it's viral. I guess chemo just makes these things drag on.

As for the stubble, yes, on day 33 I still have a sandpaper head (really-- it kind of hurts to wash my head). I guess that's a good sign, as Amy said. It really doesn't bother me except when I wash it. I'm viewing it as an omen that my hair will grow back well, and maybe I won't lose my eyebrows and lashes.

mofend

Hi, all - challenge after second treatment seems to be an infection at my IV site - kind of scary - of course I leapt to the conclusion that I would have to have my arm chopped off (God bless my husband for putting up with this crap).  Turns out that it could possibly lead to blood poisoning so they have me on Keflex, which I'm sure is going to lead to another round of thrush, but I alredy have the scrip filled, so.......other than that, I tihnk it has made me realize that rather than having huge SE's, it seems like we're just going to have annoyances along the way, which, in themselves, are manageable, but can kind of make you bummed when you just want to feel good.  One of the side benefits - I keep getting lots of nice gestures from people who pity you when they see you in the scarf - at the farmer's market today the lovely baker lady gave me free cookies - the nut man gave me extra nuts (that sounds funny, but I love his nuts) - and the cheese person kept shoveling samples my way.  So, it's not all that bad.  I appreciate this board so much and really hope you all are getting by with love and support!  Mo

cbranner

writer & ezscriiibe - I so admire you going out "bare" so to speak! I thought I'd try it, but every breeze feels like an arctic blast right now! I told my DH I don't see how he goes anywhere without a hat! I have a feeling that will change once our hot TX summer gets into full swing!

I'm actually enjoying the three wigs I bought and I switch them out. My DH asks me "and who are we today?"

MomoB -  thanks!! I still have stubble, but the kids will get used to it. I sent a photo to my extended family and got favorable comments. Eyebrows, eyelashes and a bit of makeup magic sure make a difference right now!

My DH and I had planned a vacation between the 3rd & 4th tx - but got to wondering if the SEs were cumulative. I've been looking forward to this for quite a while, but sure hope I'm up to it.

burley

Welcome Lindee629-your treatment is the same as mine.  I have to follow up with 5 years of Tamoxifen-how about you?

I need to start a new thread on dealing with spouses through all of this-seriously, can't we just get along with everything else I have to go through?  I'm scared that I'm not surrounded by much "positivity" right now, and how it may affect my healing.

Sorry to hear about your infection, Mo-but it sounds like they've got it under control.  I hope the thrush doesn't come back!

Leta-sorry to hear about all the side effects-I hope the walk and Vitamin D do you well!

Michele-congrats on taking the plunge!  Don't you feel better now that it's shaved off?  Like a weight off your shoulders-I think the waiting for it to fall out was terrible.

And Writer-you are my cough and cold buddy for now!  I haven't had mine nearly as long as yours, but it far outweighs any of the SE's I've been having.  I have to sleep sitting up in the relicner to keep myself from coughing at night. 

Hope everyone has a happy and productive day!

lindee629

Hi Burley, thanks for the welcome! 

Yes, after the chemo I will need radiation, followed by Tamoxifen. I am 49 but still getting regular periods --well I guess that will stop once I start Tamoxifen. I understand too about your wanting to start a new post about spouses or sig others. I was in the middle of a divorce when I got diagnosed so that has been a little stressful as well. My soon-to-be ex goes thru periods of just being a jerk to being nice and wanting to do things for me when i want to be left alone. I think he is feeling a little guilty, but there is nothing to feel guilty about.  I DO have a lot of support from friends and family so that helps. And my co-workers and employer have been awesome. 

I think I am about a week ahead of you on the chemo cycle. Ugh, 5 more rounds to go. I get my chemo on Tuesday (every other) and actually don't feel bad until Thursday...I can even drive myself to the office for my Neulasta shot.  (which has been OK by the way, no joint pain, been taking the Claritin, and my last white count was 12.1). But I am wiped out for Thursday and Friday.  I just try to get thru one day at a time.....as we all do, I guess.

 I am so glad I found this site, sorry I didn't know about it earlier, it's a relief to hear from others and that what I am feeling is "normal"....

Take care to all!!!    

kshep

lindee- I love your analogy of the hairball,  I too had reflux after my first tx and I had no idea that was what it felt like- despite the fact that my DH has had it for years!  I started on Prilosec OTC and it really helped the reflux, I didn't have near as much of it the second time around- so as much as I do not like taking another pill- this one is worth it. Appetite thing is getting old tho, I force myself to eat the first week after treatment, then can't get enough food for the next two weeks.  And why can't I crave veggies and fruits instead of chocolate and bread??

faithfulc

It's either the weather getting warmer or I'm getting used to my bald head - I've been able to sleep without a sleep hat for the past few days and actually liked it.  The stubble feels like sandpaper in the finest grade, though, or as DH nicely put it, a bit of a "carpet" up there...

Spring break week - I had so wanted to go on a cruise again, but this is not the year for us.  Instead, we'll celebrate my birthday at home.

Leta, I was a bit more tired the second time around so I am expecting this thing to be  cumulative.  Next Wednesday I go in for my treatment #3.  Looks like cbranner is on the TC 6x regimen as well.  Good to have you here to compare notes.

One thing that may have helped me is a bidet.  We bought one last fall before all this BC crap, and it has certainly helped me sooth the area down below.  Keeping the area clean is very important - I  had no idea that the toilet paper didn't work as well as I thought it did.  I've also heard folks say that a squirt bottle helps as well - sort of like the ones I got after child birth.

I've read that TC causes problem in the tear ducts in about half of the patient population, and with six treatments I'm taking this seriously.  Have not had problems yet but am watching very closely for any signs of trouble (uncontrollable tearing down the face, for one, since the ducts can be blocked). 

Oh, one more thing.  I've had both Neulasta shots in the tummy.  Various posts have said this way it causes the least problem (less pain in neck/shouler/leg), so I plan to continue to have it in the tummy.

mebrown

faithful  - you have your TC a week before mine and it seems that my time table is following yours so every time you post SEs I figure I won't be far behind. I appreciate your postings they help me understand mine so much better. Like you as well, I'll be celebrating my birthday (my 45th) at home instead of where I had planned it. All will be good though. I have learned to enjoy every minute no matter where I am.

Thank again to everyone on this site! 

makmak

Been quiet for a while.. have been having a rough week of SE's.. I know the nurse warned me they are cummulative.. but UGH.. My worst is the diarrhea... just keep surviving on immodium.. which some days throws it the other way.. not fun either.. Then the joint pain.. and the itchy scalp and tingling hands and feet which I had to double my B6 and seems to help... With the digestion issues I get cramps and each time that my side hurts I freak that it could be my liver...

The worst is my DH.. now that my port is still healing, he's been on the night shift so he's been up with the baby for 4 weeks... so he's tired and cranky... I keep worrying about whether my lump is shrinking at all.. and I got the 'You're driving me nuts".. and with the itchy scalp I've been using the baby's diaper cream.. so now I am "Butt Head"... Did I mention this disease is NO FUN??!!!  The good news is that my boss met with me today to ask how I'm doing and if things are working for me.. so I took the opportunity to get one more day at home.. so now I'm up to 4 at home and one at the office.. that should help with the worrying about being close to the toilet!!   I'm 100% set on beating this disease.. and most of the days I am optimistic..  today I just needed to talk to someone.. and you guys are my way of coping...

Thanks for letting me vent and for listening...

salsoda62

lindee629 I had really bad reflux too. The over the counter Prilosec time release formula took care of it completely. It's not cheap, but really worth it because I noticed that the reflux was adding to the problem of food not tasting right. After I started it, food tasted better.

makmak3030 that just sounds awful. Did you ask whether changing your diet might help? Strange as it might sound, I found that some high fiber foods, like nuts, actually helped with the diarrhea. I mix them with plain unflavored yogurt, which is good for your gut. Maybe worth a try? I just find the immodium is such harsh stuff. And don't forget to drink TONS of water, not only because you are losing more, but because it also helps everything move better. I hope it gets better for you!

I had my second AC today. No issues to speak of, thankfully, just the same fuzzy, spacey, sore eyeballs and slight headache. As you all say, you just focus on getting through it.

Tonight was the first time I cried in months. The hairloss thing just sucks. Sigh.

me2u

hi makmak3030, feel free to vent here, we are all here to support one another. hope your diarrhea goes away soon. hi burley and writer, hope your cough recovers soon too and salsoda62, you too on your cold and cough. hi leta17, nice to hear your pain subsiding.

had my 2nd tx yesterday, was alright. me and my ONC decided to reduce my dosage by 20% due to my slight anxiety pre-treatment and weight loss as well as the psychological effects that it may have on me (nausea is nasty) since i have 2xAC and 12xTaxol to go. back home, rested and other than fatigue and loss appetite, all was well. today is slightly better, able to eat well and oh, got addition meds for my piles..sigh but hey, really nothing compared to you strong ladies coping with cough, cold and pains so i shouldnt be complaining.

before i forgets, you need protein (chicken, egg white, yogurt ie the white diet that writer previously posted on page 15) to build white blood cells after the neulasta shot and its a 10-day slow release shot. and to those who have kids at home, remember to flush toilet bowl twice after use for 3 days after tx.

sending my *lovely hugs* to all ladies here! the posts have helped me lots.

mofend

to makmak3030 - here's where we come to vent, so vent away.  The diarrhea must suck - haven't had that issue - yet.  You are going to beat this thing - it's just this crap in the middle that we have to endure.  We're here for you and we'll always listen.  Take care - big hugs - Mo

4Sophia

Hello all!

I figured since I could not sleep, I would send out a post.  I actually started my chemo on the 3rd instead of 2-26.  The first tx was pretty uneventful, everyone at my new tx center was so nice and caring.  A far cry from my previous experience.  I have noticed that I am needing to get out more and to be more involved in my life.  Somehow I feel as if I am just sitting home, waiting for my next appointment, txs and SE.  I have bloodwork to be completed today.  I am hoping all is well with that.  So far, my SE have been mild, accept my tongue looks really weird and feels metallic.  I will definitely inquire about that this morning.

My kids are actually handling things well, however, my youngest decided not to go to an afterschool event yesterday because he was worried about me.  Broke my heart.  I told him I am doing fine and we have to keep things as normal as possible.  I think I need to take a dose of that same medicine as I have not been doing my homework myself Yesterday my dad called and checked in on me. I told him I really wanted some fruit and wouldn't you know, he stopped by with bags of fruit.  What a great guy, it is good to have him here with me and supporting me through this.  I did have good news, I now have an internship position to start in July.  This is very good because I was in competition with 4000 other applicants.  Of those 4000, about 1000 do not have a spot.  I now have to think about relocation as my placement is 200 miles from home.  My new training director is going to call me on Friday, I am just concerned about moving in while during treatment.  She seems very supportive of what is going on with me.  So it seems that I will graduate next year with my Ph.D!

CBranner - have you heard of the Sisters Network?  I am aware that they are having a national convention in Houston the weekend of 4/9-11.  I too am African American and have had great support from one of the president's in my area.  I am going to apply for a scholarship to see if I can get funding to attend the conference. 

Again, I want to thank you all for the love and support.  I know we will be victorious over this disease and that we will look back and realize just how strong we all truly are.

 With much love,

Tiffany

ariesrottie

Morning girls! Sorry I haven''t been on board in a few days. Today is 14 days after my last chemo and blood work for me... I did not have a great 4 days... Got my period that they said I wouldn't get and have  stomach pain and bloat and tender to to touch from my ovaries to my naval... Nit fun... I was never hunched over from the mastectomy these days I am.. Anyone else have this  problem? They told my to take midol never took midol since I was a teenagers.... Oh well I 'll see how my levels are.GOOD LUCK TODAY FEEL GOOD,

Hug,

Donna