February 2011 chemo pals

sukie10

IT'S WORKING!!! 

I'm only 9 days post treatment number one. My little friend has been growing like a bad weed since I found it at X-mas. It almost tripled in size, measuring close to 7 cm the day of my first chemo. My whole boob was starting to feel like one giant lump. Then chemo, and 3 days later it started to hurt like a really bad bruise, 5 days later it began to ache. Just now... I woke up and it isn't sore so I gave it a good once over and it is for sure, no doubt in my mind, smaller.

So for those of you who had surgery first and aren't sure if this is worth it I can tell you it is.

Bring on the hair loss and all the other side effects! We ARE getting better ladies! 

crog234

Paula   Thinking of you today as you get treatment # 3.  We are doing this.....

Cindy

NeyNey

Hello all!  

I've been AWOL for two days and missed so much!! This sunny, southern weather has kept me outside---I'll not complain about the 5-7 days of bad, if my 5-7 days of good are like this past week!  I'm approaching my 3rd treatment Monday and have felt back to normal since day 9 of this cycle.  That said, I still have husband helping with housework, errands, etc.  It is important to focus your energy on worthy things so as not to overwhelm you with ALL your normal responsibilities---we do have chemo drugs at work inside!  The "normal" feelings are a boost to our emotional state so don't use them all up with housework- do something you enjoy!!

I am completely bald.....I came out of our bathroom last night with a stoic expression on my face, (while hubby was changing the sheets on the bed...again reserve that positive energy) called his name and he stopped with the sheet changing with a panicked expression.  I say, " Jay, I'm bald"....of course he knows I'm bald....he shaved the head, has rubbed the itchy head for the last 4 days, seen the head while brushing our teeth, etc....His reply, " oh...you just figured that out?"  We laughed for a good long while!  Laugh it off ladies!  It helps!!!

Thanks for all the wig cap suggestions, I do have a mesh cap and I purchased a cotton cap from tlc---it is too big and I need to cut it back and re-hem it to see if it will work---a knit cap hanging out from under a wig is a dead giveaway, but it was hot and confining for the few minutes I had it on. Wouldn't want to lose the wig in a parking lot Jean!  Still thinking that the scarf thing is going to be good...waiting on the sample ring from the company in Tampa to get some underhair for hats.  For those of you who sew there is a McCalls pattern with several scarf, snood and turban patterns on it.  I bought some knit fabric yesterday I want to try making a snood for then add purchased knit headbands with brooches or handmade ribbon flowers attached.  My onc gave me permission to go to Hobby Lobby in early AM before crowding and I made it worth my while!

Salma, ask for anti-nausea meds prior to infusion (Decadron, Aloxi and Emend for me)--I haven't had any constipation issues so far.  I eat all whole-wheat, natural grains, lots of cream of wheat, oatmeal and LOTS of water!  Maybe that will help.  I also use a cocktail of Benedryl, Ativan and Haldol they give me to take by mouth for 4-5 days after chemo.

Countingmyblessings, my "bald is beautiful" party with my family helped me emotionally prepare for the hair loss as well.  I will say that was my buzz to 1 inch status, then after I noticed the clumps falling out (day 19) my husband buzzed the rest to about 1/4 inch stubble, which is now (Day 26) for the most part gone.  I'm shiny with a few patches that we'll take care of tonight with an electric razor.

SpecialK, thanks for the "uniboob" story....nearly spewed my coffee all over the computer!!! Husband wanted to know what I was reading that made me laugh---he did too!!!!

Again,  love all the support and laughter I receive from visiting this thread---no doom and gloom!!!!

Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!!!!!!

Renee 

dragonfly1

Yesterday was day 16 of TCH and my shedding reached a level at work that was ridiculous. Hair was falling out even when I was sitting still and it was all over my clothes-yukkk! So, I finally had it buzzed last night and it was actually a relief. DH is away on a trip so I had a friend do it but DH skyped in for the event. I'm taking the pile of hair to the backyard today so the birds can use it for nesting-someone should get some use from it:) Now I have to face the wig and figure out to deal with it for work tomorrow...should be interesting. Still feels like a costume and I'm thinking of SpecialK's "365 days of Halloween" comment and just laughing...

NeyNey

dragonfly1---I also donated my hair to the birds.......

Melanie_Ann

Sukie-That's great news!!!!!

Salma1971

Hey AMAZING ladies!!! It's so great to follow your news... Mary... Actually I am suffering of constipation too... The thing is they gave me some kind of Cortizon in the drip before the chemo--- but it seems it was not strong enough-- I guess I did not expect it to be that bad and that's why I felt awful afterward... Even today... when I think I am ok... something is pulling me down... stopping me from going back to normal life... I guess I should just snap out of it... Unfortunately..no source of brownies in my side of the world...unless absolutely illegal ;-)

So now what...? I am taking some natural laxative... and I drank prune juice... eating multigrarin bread as usual... had a big salad for lunch.... let's see if anything works... As for the metalic taste... I am hating it...!!! It stopped me from enjoying the big Friday lunch we usually have at my parents every weekend (It's Friday and Saturday over here...!!)---

Good luck everyone... keep your news coming...

Love

Salma

Paula66

Well girls Im doing pretty good right now.  The house is empty for the night so Im gonna take a snooze.  Im loaded up on meds so Im good to go. 

I read to use plastic silverware and it takes care of the taste.

On a more fab note, Aunt flo isnt coming this time.  YAHOOO!!!!!!!!!!  That totally makes up for the no hair.  She did caution me that she not completely gonna but this month she is.  After her unwelcomed visits for the last 30 yrs Im not gonna miss her at all. 

jenn_h

So after washing my hair this eve and filling up the toilet three times with clumps of hair I figure Sun is def shaving day...so here's my silly question of the day. Do you still use shampoo on your head?

M1nn1e

Jenn; I heard to keep using shampoo and also to gently exfoliate so that the hair follicles are not clogged for the new hair to grow back. That's what my wig lady/hair stylist told me and she a lot of experience with clients with bc. Hope that helps! 

JeanH

Hi my Fab Feb Friends,



I have been washing the little hair I have left with baby shampoo, mine was cut to about a half an inch all around and has some major patches my wig ladies does not like to buzz, definitely helped with the shedding and drain clogging:)



I was in a meeting and forgot and touched my hair and had to leave to toss the clump that came out. Luckily they knew the situation. But was glad to get the wig that night!



I am also on the emend aloxi decatron combo for nausea with compazine as my backup/breakthrough med. Working ok, some what queasy first day and very sensitive to smells and eat very limited.



Round three nausea not too bad but wicked headache Tylenol did not work ended up going into migraine mode (have not have one of them in ages) bed dark quiet room and went sleep for 12 hours so glad I had not plans to work today. Did get up to send ds off to school headache gone but exhausted so back to bed...doctor said round 3&4 were the worst for fatigue my body seems to have received that memo, now if it would only get the one about no periods on Chemo! Doc said he'd resend the memo, like that he has a sense of humor.



I also had someone offer to connect me if I needed help with nausea, so glad we all hav such considerate friends and collegues:)



I have one more EC to go then 4XT. Doctor said no nausea meds needed for taxol,usually not an issue which also means headaches should also go since typically they go with anti nausea meds, forgot to asks if constipation goes away too. fatigue is usually not as bad, but we trade it in for joint pain,and any hair that is left will fly away. Did any of you ladies start with taxol? does this go with your experience?



I am so glad to have you all to share the experience with an d most of all laugh with, going to check out the asparagus thread.



Paula glad round 3 doing OK, take advantage of ther set time!



Ney Ney I am with you less house work more tim e for fun and recoup and healing. definitely not letting the house condition worry me (most of the time) it is good to know we have the good week on dose dense or 2 of the 3 week rotation.



Suki so glad to hear it is shrinking what positive reinforcement for all of us!



On a strange note doctor thinks I broke my clavicle when I broke my elbow last April. he was checking it since i said I had pain there this round possibly from nuelasta. It healed but at least I know it was not just radiated pain causing the issues, can't believe orthopedist did not check!



I love hear all your stories, we are making it through this.



Jean

forgot to update signature (Chemo brain) round 3/4EC 0/4T day 2 next treatment 3/17 (St.Patrick's day boo hoo no parade or corned beef for me this year!)

mamaoftwo

Hi Feb Ladies-

I can just imagine grabbing a clump of hair during work meeting - Jean!  Sound like you dealt with it gracefully though.  Thank goodness for considerate colleagues.

Yes I too have been offered funny brownies from two friends.  Not ready to take them up on it but might try acupuncture. A local clinic offers free sessions for chemo patients.  

 Meanwhile am having a long week with a bad head cold/sore throat that won't go away.   No fever so no antibiotics, and will have to tough it out.. Hopefully tomorrow will improve.

Good luck everyone who is losing or buzzing their hair this weekend!

 

SpecialK

Hi Ladies,

Sounds like we are all hanging in.  This is the first morning that I really got a brush full of hair. Like the whole brush was crammed with hair.  Dragonfly (you cutie) I am right behind you with the buzzing.  I have to go to a bridal shower tomorrow afternoon so I will try to hold on until Sunday.  My master plan is to hairspray my hair so it can't get away, kind of like a helmet!  I really, really don't want to pull out clumps in the middle of the party!  I know the bride/groom and family well but not most of the other guests so that could be very AWKWARD! 

I had a blood draw this a.m. my white/red count is in the normal range, crit and platelets are low.  Has anyone else gotten kind of a bloody nose when you blow your nose?  I just realized today that my nose hair is disappearing too!  It made me laugh!  Too bad we can't have the hair return selectively - no hair on legs, underarms, upper lips, etc.  That would be fabulous and as BC survivors it is the least we deserve, right?

This afternoon I had to go have 3 basal cell carcinomas burned and scraped.  Not very pleasant but at least they are dealt with.  Too bad chemo didn't work on them.  I had to wait for my white count and permission from my onc before they could do it.  I am not sure how they will heal during chemo but they create an artificial scab with the cauterizing so we shall see...  At least I don't have to go back and see them until September.

Have a good weekend - I hope all continue to do well and everyone say a prayer for my hair helmet tomorrow!

JeanH

specialK good luck with the hairspray. I went everywhere with a back up scarf for those 2 days when hair was seriously thinning and I was not yet in possession of the cranial prothesis.



I was getting the bloody nose thing, using saline solution morning and evening has been helpful. and AYR saline gel in the evening before bed, When I remember to do it the nose does not look bloody when I blow it. Also helps to use the saline spray before blowing it. Lack of nose hairs also leads to running nose so tissues always at the ready! I too wish we could direct the hair loss and as an added bones make it permanent in the areas of our choice.



Ladies thank you for pointing me to OMG thread it was hilarious, I should be asleep but had to read all 18 pages to get all the comments.



G'nite all.

Jean

JeanH

momma of two- hope you feel better.



Sorry about typos in recent posts to tired to go back and fix them. blaming it on the iPad.



Jean

SpecialK

I think my bloody nose deal also has to do with low platelet count.  I had it early after 1st tx then it seemed to go away and on last blood draw my platelets were ok.  Today platelets were low and bloody nose is back. 

Jean - I am glad that you reminded me about back-ups.  Thank you!  You may have helped me avert potential crisis! This bridal shower is 2 1/2 hours from home so it would be really smart to have a plan if it all goes to hell.  The top of my head really hurts too.  My hairdresser warned me about that.  Today was windy here and when my hair blew skyward it ached - weird feeling.  It hurts to touch it.  Yet another interesting development!

sukie10

I finally had time to read through the entire asparagus thread. I'm pretty sure I'm going to laugh every time I'm served it for the rest of my life.

I've suddenly lost my taste for coffee. Kinda weird since its usually my beverage of choice. It wouldn't be too bad I suppose to give it up but seriously, I don't think with all of the other side effects I need to go through caffeine withdrawal also! Brownies are probably the answere.  

Paula enjoy your nap! 

.

ruffy

Hi, I'm a little late in joining, but I started chemo ddAC X4 feb 14th, followed with ddTAX x4 and think this group is going to help me get through the chemo. I feel like a basket case. One day I've got a handle on things, the next I can't move out if bed and it's all I can do to smile for my little girl and hubby I read this post alot and it always helps me gain direction so Im thinking it's a good place for me. My first treatment I was sick sick, they adjusted my meds and for the second I was more emotionally fragile( to put it nicely, lol).and it lasted longer. Next treatment is march 14th so i should have a somewhat normal week this week. I just find it hard sometimes to still get my head around everything. I just found out my diagnosis Jan. 31 st, everything hss happened really fast.Do you think that's normal or should I have my big brave fighter face on everyday by now? Thanks for being out there,

Sara

SharonJ1234

Hi everyone.  Was just reading about everyone starting or having just started their chemo.  I had chemo in 2007/08 and honestly it was the worse thing I have ever had to do.  I had just turned 41. I just wanted to let you alll know that you are all very strong and you can do it.  Remember to take all the nausea etc drugs that they give you.  It does seem to help.  No one ever said it is easy, but it is what you have to do.  My youngest was 8 mths old and there was no way I was going to not do it.  Especially for them.  Oh and me of course.  I bought a beautiful wig and wore it twice, as it got too hot.  I had scarves and wore them a few times.  But you know what girls in the end I let my beautiful bald head shine out.  I didn't care what people thought, and saw myself as some sort of role model.  I would have people come up to me and tell me their stories and they were just so happy to be able to share with me.  Also secretly I loved being stared out.  Felt cool LOL.  My hair grew back super fast.  And very curly.  Always my wish.  So there was a silver lining at the end of a very dark tunnel.  So girls even though it is extremely tough.  You will get through it and it will be one of the hardest things you ever do, but believe me you will be all the better for it - inside and out.  Love to you all.  We all belong to the same club, and this cruel disease needs to be shown the door !!!

DivineMrsM

Wow, Ruffolo, it has been very very recent since your diagnosis.

I  found a lump Dec 22, 2010 and just had a knowing it was cancer.....which was confirmed Jan 6, 2011.  There are still days I'm trying to wrap my head around it all.  Sometimes I think "Is this really happening?"

So, no, I don't in any way feel that you need to have some big brave fighter face on.  All the emotions you're experiencing, in my opinion, are normal, normal, normal.    In my case, I had so many emotional ups and downs, even in just one day.  Now it's been over 2 months since I found the lump, and my emotions are a bit more even, not quite so high, not quite so low.  But they still ride a roller coaster.

I've felt weak, strong, indifferent, happy, content, accepting, scared, grateful, angry, appreciative, exhausted.....like I said, sometimes all that in one day!  Two emotions I keep coming back to are "hopeful".  And "positive'.  I might not ALWAYS feel hopeful and positive, but I allow myself the other emotions for awhile and then take steps to get back to positive and hopeful.  (Reading positive things, being with positive people who make me feel good, relaxing & listening to good music or meditation tapes, ect.)

You have been through a lot in just a few short weeks.  My advise is always: be good to yourself, be patient with yourself and give yourself time to heal. 

It seems your chemo began so quickly since your diagnosis; are you having the chemo before surgery?  That is what I'm doing. 

crog234

Jean  Your doctor was right at least about #3.  I have been so much more tired this time.  Days 4 and 5 were real non productive days.  I am on day 6 now and so far this morning I am feeling more alive.  Food did not taste good on those 2 days also.  I am still having pain in my back and hip area.  Had issues with this before chemo.  Still taking the claritin.  Tired of sleeping in the recliner so last night I camped out in the livingroom.  Slept on a quilt on the floor.  Worked pretty good.  Will try sleeping back in the bed tonight. 

Here is to day 6 and hopefully a better day that 4 and 5 were....

Cindy

mks16

Cindy, are you on Neulasta as well? Is that where your hip and back pain is coming from?
I've had it for couple of nights now, as soon as I lie down... its keeping me up at night. When I do fall asleep, I dream about the bone scan results that I am expecting on Monday... in my latest dream, my onc was holding up the results and the picture was flashing like an excessively decorated Christmas tree.

I do hope the pain is from Neulasta as the radiating pain from hips seems to alternate between left and right leg. It has been 9 days since my Neulasta shot, by now I should be fine, right? It might be from my period as well... Ugh.

I am sorry you're getting more tired with each treatment... I was wondering about that myself. 

Onward we go! Hoping you have a good day today:)

ruffy

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am have chemo first as the lump is close to the chest wall and my surgeon wants to be sure to get clear margins. I just shaved my head yesterday and I think that threw me for a bit of a loop . Hopefully today I will befriend it. Glad I joined the group, not so excited about the circumstances but all of this powerful female energy has to be helpful for our cause. I'm trying to not be so hard on myself - I cry, then I feel better and go on with my day, repeat... And that's usually just on post chemodays. The chemo really messes with my mental state, but on the positive , I've got two treatmemts below my belt or under my boob I should say! I wish everyone a happy, positive loving saturday

Salma1971

That is soooooooooo nice of you Sharon.. to share your experience with us.. It gives us something to look forward to at the end of this journey---

 I am finally feeling normal today (day 6 post #1A/C) Yesterday was more like a depression rather than anything physical... So my mom took me with my boys to do our groccery shopping and then to a play area... it was nice feeling normal again... the kids are happy I am there again... Now she took them out to lunch to give me sometime to rest... Oh God bless her...!

TheDivineMrsM... It is ALL normal to go through this emotional roller coaster--- But I have to admit, it varies from one person to another to which side it tilts more often.. to me, it has been more on the positive.... (except during the past 5 days)--- I felt lucky for finding my cancer when I was not suffering any symptoms... I never found the lump--- the DOCTOR did not find a lump--- if it weren't for my hunch to go for early screening even before I turned 40--it would have gone undiagnosed for another 2 to 3 years when it would have been more painful and longer to treat.... And indeed while are are ALL BRAVE FIGHTERS... We can all still feel sad, angry, depressed, preplexed, etc. etc. It is only normal.. and if we do not let out our emotions they would stranggle us--- I wish you the best in your upcoming treatment... As for my case.. because the lump is 1 cm, I opted for a bilateral mastuctomy with immediate silicone gel implants... so now I have the Chemo left to deal with...

Wishing all of you ladies the best... and have a great weekend...

Salma

crog234

mks  yes I am on the nuelesta.  Not sure if my pain is from that or from issues I have with my sacrum and hip anyway.   Wondering if the chemo decides to invade your downfalls so to speak.  Now not everyone is the same so some may not get more tired with # 3 treatment.  #3 knocked me for a loop.  That tiredness along with the chemo brain.  But like I said i am back among the living today and so glad of it.

Cindy

dragonfly1

SpecialK Good luck keeping that hair in place today...mine was such a mess it had to go on Thursday. It was blowing off in the wind and falling off even when I was sitting still. Be sure to use a LOT of hairspray for that hair helmet! Even after buzzing mine the stubble was hurting so my DH used his electric razor (didn't want to use a regular razor for fear of infection) to cut it even closer and it feels much better. By the way, I've had the bloody nose issue since week one-happens to me a few times a day. I've read somewhere that it can be a result of the combination of Taxotere and Herceptin. 

dogeyed

Hello all, my hair is half gone.  Did chemo two Thurs, lotsa hair coming loose, Friday after blood cell shot, somehow it had gotten into a rhastafarian twisted lump where I keep it ponytailed to the side, and went to brush it so husband could cut the waist-long "hairpiece" out for me, and wound up with five big masses of hair in my hand.  Ponytail he cut loose for me was a pitiful remnant of my former luxury, but should help to clip it in when hair grows back a ways.  Husband said I have a couple baldy spots in back, but front is at chin length from bob, so I ain't naked left.

Ruffalo, took me about a month to get it straight about this cancer business...but I still cried here and there, plus anger stayed around awhile too.  In the end, I got used to it, is the best phrase.  Also, I read first Four Gospels aplenty, and when I finally prayed for the Good Shepherd to please take this for me awhile, the death fear disappeared.

SpecialK, I do laugh at your posts, and am dying to know how the "helmet hairspray look" turns out.  Too funny.  I'll bet when you come home, you'll be able to lift it right off like a hat!!!  Smile.

I think I made an edit to one of my posts that didn't go in, I get so lost in these post pages sometimes, but I asked WHERE IS THE ASPARAGUS THREAD?  I would love to read it.  And for others who need more energy and perhaps better blood counts, protein, protein, protein of any kind helped me.  I'm still weak as a kitten and walk like an old Indian, but my bloodwork came back okay to do chemo two.  Husband has beans in crockpot today, Mom gave high-grade soft steaks for maybe Sunday or Monday, canned meats are easy like Vienna Sausage (I threw my vegetarian status out the window for this treatment time), egg sal sand stuff from store, ride thru burger window whenever I'm out, chicken noodle soup w/extra noodles, etc.  I cannot cook much since my car wrecked back got worse a few years ago, and really can't cook at all now.

Doc's assistant gave me Percocet this time for dreadful pains in my busted back, aches in muscles, thank goodness.  I already take a couple drugs for back and legs, but they were not enough when chemo blasted thru.  Last time I felt SO feverish, face was red, couldn't sleep, but didn't have thermometer, have one now.  Face red this morning but no temp!  Shaky and dry mouth until I got lots of water, salt/soda swish, and breakfast.  But from Thursday (chemo) to Saturday (today), very weak in legs, just like last time, and I know it will continue all next week.

As I said before, I dropped all antinausea meds except the Zofran, which I took as finally allowed this morning 36 hrs after chemo, take it again at night... yesterday got a little whoozy so did take one Phenergan last night (sleepy, 7pm to 7am on couch and then in bed).  Will use Tums if acid urps up now, tho, but if I HAVE to I will take Phenergan at bedtime.  I THINK I can take Tums??

Just writing all this history for those who want to know info on all this.  See, I want to say to everyone who has described their experiences THANK YOU, because a little bit here, a thing or two there, and I am saved.  The love in sharing, the friendly advice, the amusing experiences are all so important to my comfort levels whilst dealing with the worst, and just plain fun when riding smooth.  Love to you all, and God Bless this website and forum and all the sweet people in here, be well, GG (dogeyed) 

lonneta04

Second round was Friday, i feel ok.I dignt get Nuelasta first time around But they are adding it Monday, thanks to everyones feedback, at least i know what to look for with that as far as bone and joint aches.Hair hats in public, scarves st home going ok. I still have a long very nice wig to wear, but it just seems so strange. Good luck to everyone the next few days....Lonneta

EmilyInOntario

FEC-D Start: Jan 28/2011 Cycle 2/6 Day 16

Dogeyed..the asparagus thread is the "OMG they found a cure for stupid " I've been laughing all week following it along and joining in. It's great therapy but best to start at the beginning and read through or it may not make much sense..*L*

Next chemo for me is this coming Friday...dreading it but as it will be treatment 3 of 6  I'll then be halfway through. My treatments are every three weeks which means this drags on until the end of May. Will everyone else here be done long before I am? Radiation is after that.

thefuzzylemon

Emily -

I'll be done with chemo about the end of July ... 6 weeks of Rads after that.  Everyone HAS to start that the beginning of that thread ... really can't miss the birth of a super genius ....