May 2010 Chemo

nanaof2

So nice to hear most of you are doing very well.  Just got back from my first treatment.  I feel fine so far, reading what most of you have to say, I will good tomorrow too.  I love this website, it gives me such hope and inspiration.  You ladies are terrific for sharing everything.  Love to you all!   Judy

sunflower87

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I have been out of action.  I had my first TC a week ago today.  Everything was going fine..Had pre-nausea drugs, C, and then the nurse began T...and unfortunately I had a terrible reaction to it.  Similar to what Day described.  I couldn't breathe, turned beat red, and my face was so swollen I couldn't talk.  But luckily they gave me some benadryl, steroids, and oxygen and I was fine. This has been my big scare so far.  SE's have been manageable so far.  My key tips have been to drink water, walk, stay ahead of nausea, eat mini meals throughout the day, keep a diary so you will know what works, take a stool softner,and just keep that Postive Mental Attitude.  We all can do this!  Thanks to all of you for sharing....you have helped so much.  Now I am on to figure out what I am going to do about losing my hair.  Does anyone know the earliest day someone has lost their hair on TC?

JennyB100104

Hi sunflower: Wow, that's so scary about the reaction! It seems, like Day, that you need that Benadryl first! I'm glad you're feeling okay. I agree 100% about staying ahead of nausea and constipation and eating small meals.

So...I'm on day 12 after TC #1 and it's beginning. The hair loss, I mean. Shedding a bit from my head (more tonight than this morning, only when I pull gently on it) but...ahhh...quite a bit "down below." My scalp is tingling tonight, too.

I just hope to make it to Wednesday when I'm going to pick up my wig!

Ca1Ripken

HI ladies - add me - met with onc today and regimen is Taxel & Herceptin every week x 12; then AC every 3 weeks x 4.  Surgery after that - then radiation, and tamoxifen.

((HUGS)) to everyone whose gone and going this month!  So stressful!! 

njbhwgirl

Evening All:

Never heard of drains in for 5 weeks. My BS says they can stay in as long as needed but my PS wanted them out after 2 weeks. I got them out after 2 weeks and was fine. Maybe you can ask again.  Are you draining all that much?

Sunflower:  sorry about your first treatment..wow so awful..hopefully  next treatment will be uneventful

JennyB:  was wondering about the hair thing too! Like how long do you have? Did you cut your hair ahead of time. Some people say to shave it right away so you are not depressed while others say just wait till it falls out. I can't make my mind up...either way ...it is sad....

2 more days for 1st treatment for me...wish wish it was tmrw so the anxiety would be over. and I can do the countdown..

Night my friends. sleep well

Redbarb804

Sunflower: I am so sorry about your reaction.  That is my biggest fear.  At least I know what to expect if I am having an allergic reation.  As far as the hair falling out my ono said 10-14 days, so it looks like you are almost there.  I cut my hair shorter about 2 weeks ago to get use to having short hair.  I am also debating if I want to shave my head ahead of time or not.  I am leaning towards doing that only because I don't want to wake up one morning I have to work and then have to shave my head.  I would be late for work for sure. 

I hope everyone has a great Tuesday!!  Good luck to anyone starting this week!

nanaof2

Good Morning Ladies,

Sunflower so sorry to hear about your first treatment problems.  That has to be so forifying. Even with your problems, you continue to give the rest of us some great tips, thanks. I had my first yesterday and no real problem, but they put the drip very, very slowing .  I will get in lost of water today!

Jenny B, Thanks for the update on the hair.  It seems to be everyones question, mine for sure.  I think I could handle this a lot easier with that.  I have finally gotten my hair where I want it and gets lots of complements, and now I will have to start all over.  Small problem in the sceme of things, but none the less, just one more thing to deal with.  It certainly helps me to know around what day to expect it to start, so thanks again.

Redbarb, Good luck with your first treatment on the 13th, hope yours goes as well as mine did.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Slept well for five hours last not, I think that is the most since all of this started. 

packjen

Hello Ladies,

I am at day 6 after 1st T/C.  I've been having some stomach issues since day 3 when I had an unfortunate incident while on a walk.   Fortunately only about 100 yards from my home.  Since then lots of cramping and diarrhea.  The nurses can't figure out why the pain meds I am taking are not clogging me up.  Oh well, I guess I'd prefer being too loose than too tight.

About 3 weeks ago I decided I was going to drastically change my hair in anticipation of chemo.  I had long, red hair (to about bra strap length).  My friend's hair dresser gave me the cutest little Peter Pan Pixie cut -- for free.  Short, short, short and I went blonde, blonde, blonde.  I thought I might as well cut my hair and donate it so someone could get some use out of it.  I also figured I might never be brave enough to go blonde.  My change in hair gave me such a lift.  I love it.  Also, my husband has always preferred me in short hair.

 I have already decided that when my hair starts falling out I will have the same hair dresser shave my head.  My girls (7 1/2 yr old twins) told me yesterday they can't wait to have my hair fall out because it will be easier to give me "noogies".  Although I did have to promise one of my girls that I would not show up at school bald.  To that end, I went to our local American Cancer Society with a couple of girlfriends and tried on wigs.  We had a blast.  Of course we took photos for my blog so everyone else could enjoy the silliness.  So we found one that was quite similar to my "old" hair and it was given to me for free by the ACS.

Like some other women here, I am more concerned about losing my brows than losing my hair.  I have seen pictures of women with no hair, both with and without their eyebrows.  The ones without the eyebrows definitely look "sick".  So 2 things I am doing: 1) strapping ice packs to my forehead during chemo (sort of my own "cold cap" therapy for brows; 2) I went to a website called chemochicks.com and purchased these eyebrow guides and a waterproof brow make-up to help me apply my brows if my ice packs don't work.

OK, enough for now.  Hey, JennyB, please keep us posted on the hair.

Jen

GolferGirl

Hi All, I am Day 4 I think since starting chemo on Friday.  I made it into the office today, but only lasted for half the day.  I was so tired!  Came home and slept for 3 hours!  Otherwise, i am feeling fine.  Just so tired.  But the weather here is crumy; rainy and grey all day, so I hope that is part of the problem.  Also, my doc put Aloxi in the IV for nausea and it was to last 3 or 4 days.  I felt like it was kind of wearing off today so I took a compazin.  I think that is what made me so very tired.  Tomorrow I hope I can skip the meds and work all day.  We'll see.

Sunflower, sorry to hear of your reaction and hope you are doing ok now. 

Jen, I went to a Look Good, Feel Better class put on by ACS at my local hospital last night. It was fun and they gave out a free make-up kit and showed us how to draw on eyebrows.  You should see if they have that class locally for you, too.  Oh, and they had wigs to try on and showed some turban tying techniques,too.

JennyB100104

Hair update: Last night a few strands would come out when I pulled on them, today it's a lot more obvious. 20-30 each time I give a little tug. It's definitely not noticeable yet, and not falling out in clumps...yet. I'm dreading that. I'm on day 13 after T/C #1. Tomorrow is the 2-week mark.

I signed up for a Look Good, Feel Better class for next week! I'm pretty sure I'll be bald by then! GolferGirl, were there any already-bald people in the class you took?

I'm still on the fence about shaving it. I had it cut very short, but I guess I'll just play it by ear from here on out. 

I'm going to bring eyebrow ice packs to my next infusion, too! Great idea.

Shrek4

Just finished ordering my wig. Should be here just in time for the shaved head, lol.

This is what I ordered, in light ash blonde:

http://thewigcompany.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_272

 I am pretty much ok, just a small pain in the hips here and there, and am very tired, no nausea, no stomach problems.

nanaof2

Day 1 down, feeling good.  A little tired, mostly from waking at 3:00 and not able to fall back asleep. 

Day, love the wig. I am going shopping for one this weekend with my friend.   Bought one last weekend, but just out of not knowing what to do, it was a cheap one, but everything nicer was sold out.  Won't hurt to have two wigs anyway.

Jenny B, thanks so much for keeping us updated on the hair.  It is really the hardest part, just not knowing.

GolferGirl

JennyB- Yes, there were women there who had already lost their hair.  One woman who has ovarian cancer, not breast cancer, had already gone through chemo in December, had surgery 6 weeks ago and was getting ready for chemo no. 2.  She had such a great attitude, too!  She said she was a long-haired brunette before the first chemo, then it all grew back white.  She has about an inch of growth that she dyed blonde last week.  She looks great. We had her try on both the blonde and brunette wigs and I can't imagine her as a long haired brunette.  She opted for a blonde wig based on our feedback.  Funny, huh?  Says she had always been a brunette before, but I can't see it.  She was excited to try a new look; it was fun to see.

Drim

So today was the first day of Kemo and Cold Caps!  Familia was there for the durating of therapy!  Best Friend came for the Cold Caps application!  I enjoyed helping with the Cold Caps because I know how important my Gurls hair is to her!  I know familia and friends will be there no matter what!  My Dear Drim, don't ever doubt that your peeps will be there for you!  WE LUV YOU BEYOND!  I pray for my Best Friend and others that are going through this ordeal!

Remember my dear friend we will be dancing through life and we pray for other to do the same!  I LUV U DRIM! 

CTherese

Hi, I just discovered your great discussion group. Please include me.

 I start TC-4 on Thursday (May 13). I am looking forward to getting this behind me!!!  Thanks for all the great information and comradie!

Redbarb804

Welcome CTherese:  I will also be starting TC on Thursday.  I am anxious to see if we react the same to all this or if we have major SE differences.  Good Luck!!!  I will be thinking about you.  What time is your treatment?

Drim: I'm glad you had family with you during your treatment.  I think it will help having my husband with me on Thursday.  Hope you are feeling ok tonight and tomorrow.

Nanaof2: Glad you are feeling pretty good today. Thanks for the good wishes.  I hope I do as well too!

Jenny: Thanks for the hair updates.  This gives me an idea of how long I will have.  I am debating whether or not to shave my head before it gets to bad.  I cut it shorter already, but not sure about shaving it.  Iwas thinking maybe May 23. (10days after my first treatment)   I am planning on signing up for a Feel Better Look Good class at our local hospital.  I'm glad it was good.

Day: I am glad to see you post.  I was wondering if you were effected by the tornadoes that went through OK.  

I hope everyone has a great Hump Day (Wednesday) and Remember. 

There will be days that you don't have a song in your heart, but sing anyway!!!!   Stay positve my brave friends!!!

Redbarb804

njbhwgirl: I almost forgot, Good luck tomorrow.  I will keep you in my prayers for an easy treatment.

Alice100

 Am I too late to join?  I start FEC - 6 cycles on May 17th.  I could really use the support! To go through this with people who are going through the same process will really help me out.

 Alice 

packjen

Alice100 - It's never too late to join.  Sorry you have to be part of this group, but everyone is here and willing to help.

Drim

Good morning everyone and welcome CTherese and Alice! You are always welcome.

As you can see, my best friend took over my computer and posted last night. My family was great yesterday (day 1 of TCx4) and I'm happy to say that I'm feeling just fine. I know it may still be too early to tell as I go for my neulasta shot later today. The only advice I can give so far, just like everyone else says, is to drink a lot of water. I started my water routine 3 days before treatment. I made sure I had 8 glasses that day and the next and then stepped it up to 10 the day before and 11 the day of (plus they give you some hydration in the drip). They also gave me all the premeds beforehand - aloxi, benedryl, pepcid and the steriod. I also ate a little bit throughout the day. Then I took anti neasea when I got home.

The craziest part of the whole day for me was definitely the cold caps. It was kind of hard but for the most part went smoothly. I also put my fingers and toes in frozen peas to help with nails and neuropathy - I did that during the Taxotere part (and a little before and after). I did nothing for my brows so I guess I'll have to deal with them someone. 

nanaof2 - I'm glad you're feeling good as well. This group is fantastic!

sunflower - great to finally hear from you. I'm glad you're doing well now. I'm sure next time they will give you benedryl up front.

njbwhgirl and redbarb, mcshusi, and leanna - thinking about you and praying it all goes smoothly for you today/tomorrow!!

LauraM

Have a great day ladies!  You are all WONDERFUL!

TriciaB

Morning Ladies.  Still feeling fine 9 days out from first AC.  Hair Loss Watch continues. Happy to report I still had to blow dry my hair this morning (although not drying it will be a boon to my morning routine).  Just saying.

Drim:  So glad you are feeling fine and the frozen hair caps and frozen peas were not too much of a hassle.  Hope your week (and beyond) continues to be side effect free.  Don't forget to eat your dried fruit for constipation!

 I'm thinking aout all you ladies starting chemo this week and sending really excellent vibes.

GolferGirl

Hi All,

I'm on Day 5 and feeling much better than yesterday.  Yesterday I was wiped out!  Not sure if it was due to the chemo or the Nuelasta?  Anyone else have severe fatigue 4 days after chemo or the day after Nuelasta?   Just wondering which caused the problem.  Still, I'm grateful its just been fatigue and not anything worse.   Slept a LOT yesterday and feel fine today. so hopefully on the upswing til treatment #2 now. 

Drim- so glad your cold cap ordeal went smoothly!  I didn't do anything for fingers or toes last time, but will have to try the peas next time.  I did the Breast Cancer 3 day walk the last few years (ironic, huh?) and have lost a few toe nails in the past from that.   Really don't want to lose any to treatment!

Good luck to all starting today.  We are thinking of you! 

Shrek4

Golfergirl, to me that's the main thing of complaint: fatigue. Seems to be better though once I take some B6.

Irishtess

Fotopet:  I just learned I start chemo on 05/21, so I'd like to join you & the other ladies who also are starting this journey this month.  Good luck to everyone, & I'll keep you all in my thoughts & prayers!

JennyB100104

Drim, sounds like everything went very well!

GolferGirl & everyone else -- for me, I felt few SEs for the first couple of days, then the worst of them started up--fatigue, nausea, and that awful bone pain from Neulasta. I'd say days 4-6 were the hardest, and that surprised me because I thought I'd passed the hard part already! The fatigue did linger for longer than the other SEs, and I think that was because I was very anemic (not only the chemo killing off those red blood cells, but from my ovaries making their "last stand"). But that also started to get better after around day 9.

Welcome Alice & Irishtess!

Hair update: Not much to say. I am still pulling out 20-30 strands when I tug! It's not obvious to anyone but me (yet!) that my hair is falling out. I'm on Day 14 today!

Tricia, glad to hear your hair is still hanging in there.

Have a great day everyone & I wish the very best to those starting this week!

hugs,

Jen

Anonymous

Hi,

I'm not sure if I will be in May or June chemo group. I was just wondering if you have any suggestions about the questions that you should have asked your oncologist and you didn't because you didn't know that it was important. I have my first appointment with the oncologist this friday and would like to make the most out of it. 

 Thanks, and hope that your se's are not too bad,

Daniela

fotopet

Hello ladies

I have been really keeping to myself since last week, when my "reclosed" incision began bleeding yet again.  Thought for sure that I would end up putting off chemo until June, at least, which would be ironic since I started this thread.  But woke up thi morning to find the incision looking reasonbly closed (after several near-hysterical calls to the docs and a change in antibiotics).  So now I am back and hopeful to get this chemo show started next week or the week after.

Welcome to our recent joiners.  Did my best to update the main thread - if I missed anyone, please drop me a PM.

Random comments on random posts below - sorry for the lateness!

Laurie_R - belated congrats on finishing chemo! Yeah for you!!

njbhwgirl: I cut my hair as soon as the docs said I would lose it, even though I have a wig that pretty mch matches what it looked like before the cut. My hairdresser has been wanting me to go super-short for years, si I figured what better time? Also, I am hopng that I will look "normal" to myself that much faster after chemo if I get used to short hair in the morning mirror.

I actually figure I won't wear my wig much at all.  Scarves or bald will do it for me - I am a comfort-loving creature.  I pretty much plan on only wearing the wig when I hae to be in court (I am a trial attorney and I think the bald thing would be too distracting for a jury).

adb1971: Delay is the name of the game for me.  I was originally scheduled for end of April. Delayed to May 4th becaue the onc did not like the look of part of my abdominal incision (left mx with DIEP on 3/26).  He was ight because the incision popped open and had to be debrided and reclosed last week, which outs me off until 5/18 at least.  Hoping the OS will clear me on Monday.

So maybe we will start on the same day - both after long, depressing delay. 

sacphotomom

HI all!  I have been loving my good days ( day 8 after chemo) had a blood test yesterday my white count is down. but don't really feel bad....but I am noticing, that of all things, my left arm has lost lots of hair.  I am a pretty hairy gal... my arms have had a fine long dark hair my whole life .  now its very thin and my right arm is normal... OK thats too funny...this has been my strange dream from the beginning whey they told me I would have to have Chemo.    In my dream I would lose my hair in one large spot...like one big bald spot on the side of my head and hair on rest was Ok....lol.... any way I decided not to cut my hair canceled my appointment ..I am going to find a wig that looks like my natural hair.  I went to a wig store and yup I still look really bad in short hair..so I will wear scarves and my wig when I want to.  

fotopet. Hope your incision stays closed this time. funny you should mention your bald head being a distraction.  I was on a jury with a bald attorney.   but wow she looked great!  Funny I was thinking when I first saw her would I be brave enough to go bald if I had too...this was about 5 yrs ago..nobody on the jury mentioned her bald head ....

OK I also decide to take a picture of myself today so I can remember what my hair and eyebrows  looked like .one thing I really regret, I  didn't take a picture of my breast before the mastectomy...oh well'

OK off for my walk have a great day ladies! 

nanaof2

Hi Ladies, just got in from work.  Not feeling to badly today. 

PackJen- I completely agree, without eyebrows people just don't look well. 

JennyB - I have heard about the Look Good, Feel Better and plan on signing up for it too.  Hoping for help in learning to put on the brows once they are gone.

Drim - so nice to know you have such good friends, it makes all the difference.  My best friend is driving 7 hours this weekend to see me. Can't wait to see her either!

CTerese and Redbarb, I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. I know you will do great!

Alice  and Irishtess- It really is never too late to join, this has helped me more than anything.  Best wishes to you during this very challenging time. 

Drim - wow you are really getting the water in.  I am trying, but it has been hard.  I never realized how little I drank.

I have not heard anything from my dr. about Neulasta.

My best to everyone!

D