August 2011 chemo, anyone w/ me?!

koalakid39

I broke down today and had my daughter-in-law shave my head. She almost started to cry and I told her she better not or we would both be bawling! So far I haven't cried, but I made both of my daughters cry.  I told my 13yr old, it's only temporary! She wants to shave her head, but I don't want her to, middle schoolers are very mean. I actually feel human today, just a slight headache, but that's probably because it's so hot here.

I hope everyone is feeling better and getting the stomach issues under control. It is very hard to make yourself eat when you just don't feel like eating. My chemo nurse said that if you try to keep something in your stomach, it should help to not get sick to your stomach. She suggested small meals every two hours, sometimes it works, sometimes not....Thankfully, I have not had too much trouble with nausea

Feel Better everyone....Hugs

Chrys23

Ellen! - Will do!!  Tonight we just moved all of our patio furniture, solar lights, etc in to our shed. All set with provisions too.  Please be safe - my best friend is in Epping, NH and we were just talking tonight abou tthe path up your way, after it hit's NJ/NYC.

Koalakid: How sweet of your daughter to want to shave her head for you. My sister cut all of her hair off and we took photos. I still have less than an inch and you can see my scalp on the sides.  It's hard to see it go, but again -- it's only temporary.

Dogmom

Wow...a lot to catch up on. I was feeling a little guilty because I was feeling pretty good with really no major s/e and the hair was holding up. Well it is official, it's coming out like crazy now. UGH I thought I was ready to deal with it. Got pretty emotional over it all today. Thinking shaving it off in the next day or two.

Ashvegas, I'm about 45 mins down the mtn from you in Landrum SC. I was in up there last night. I think Asheville is a great place to be bald. They expect things like that there! I love Asheville!

Chrys23. glad your furkids are back home and doing better!  Mine are keeping me sane and helping me be focused on something besides myself! Rescued a new one this week that is incredible.  

I go for my next TCH on Wednesday...hoping it goes as easily as the first.

Hope everyone is hanging in there!

 It's only hair, it's only hair, it's only hair...it will grow back.....  

Madismommy719

Ok...has anyone seen the target commercials for back to school? And the one with the teacher....and the "glitter, lots of glitter"?



I just made my shopping list for chemo.....



"Soup, jello, tea.....crackers, yogurt, fruit....claritin, ginger ale, lemons....prep h, the kind that cools.... And imodium, lots of imodium....."



Okay, sorry.... I'm officially off my rocker.



Hope everyone's having a nice evening.....s/e free and hurricane free!!!! I sure hope that thing shifts east back over the waters....



I commend all of you ladies being so positive and accepting of the hair loss....I pray I have your strength in a couple weeks!!!!!!

TSB1

Add me to the list of those whose hair is fleeing my head at a fast and furious pace. Wow, today was really bad. And like others have said, my scalp hurts bad.  I think I will have to buzz it this weekend. 

 East Coasters: Hunker Down and stay safe!

I hope everyone will have a good, side effect free weekend! 

sandy115

My scalp hurt as well felt better when I shaved it.I was suprised how good it looked and my head is perfectley round I look like Sinead O Connor the singer or that what the fam keeps telling me.Went out tonight with the wig on for dinner could'nt wait to get in the vechile and take it off.Id love to go bald all the time it feels so much better but might get some stares from people and I dont like to be singled out think I will have to start wearing baseball hats.I bought a $650 wig real hair and it just dose'nt feel right.its to bad we cant go Bald all the time in Public wonderful for you that do I so admire You.I hope Everyone is safe from the storm this weekend .

mommyx2

Well I made it thru 1st week of chemo - wahoo! So far okay. Just heartburn and constipation on days 3-5, then diarrhea - what do you all take for that? I'm afraid to leave the house to be away from a toilet for too long! Oh and I got the mouth sores, they don't hurt, just feel sort of numb. I cut my hair short and now awaiting the fall - I think I'm going to freak when it happens! And i'm worried what to tell my 2 year old about it! Hope you all are hanging in there!

Grimbol

Oh I have decided I am not accepting of the hair loss, thought it wouldn't bother me too much but now it's coming out so badly I am NOT ready for this.

The movie was great, I really enjoyed it, and it took my mind of things until I rubbed my head and got another handful!  Totaly recommend it.

 Keep safe over the weekend.

oh and mommyx2 take Immodium, but not too much, least possible to make the D stop or you'll end up with the other instead!!   It's all fun!!

vtellen

Maybe it's an A/C thing, but I never had D. Senekot-s worked pretty well for me. And for the new starters- I really urge you to gargle. Salt or baking soda. I used salt 1-2xday. Biotene in morning and night. Also, I brushed my teeth gently after each meal. I only needed to do these things for the first week, but contined after because of low blood count.

Madismommy- Kasi listed her routine after her 2nd dose, and it sounded good. Do not wait to take your anti nausea drugs, and you will not throw up. I know you are worried about that. You sound as though you have a lot of pep, so I think that you will do just fine!

And drink, drink, and drink some more. Drink right after to get your kidneys "clear". Drink later to ward off the UTI factor. So, add toilet paper to your list, newbies!

Day 24, and I still have quite a few hairs up on the ol' head , such as it is. I wear hats or scarves when I go out in public!

Robyn6463

My hair is falling out fast and furious! It doesn't look horrible yet, but it's so messy! I keep it covered with a turban while I'm home, just to catch all the hair as it falls!

Off to the grocery store to stock up before the storm! Actually, I live far enough inland that I'm not TOO worried, but the media has people so excited, I'm afraid there won't be any supplies left to be had, and I usually shop on Saturday mornings! Wish me luck! I hope there's something left to eat this week! I do have a pond, and a stream behind my house, so I'm a little worried about flooding...but I've lived her for over 30 years. That's why we own the generator and the sump pumps! No realy worries!

Stay safe everybody! Have a good day. Hope you're all feeling well! 

Madismommy - love your shopping list! 

vtellen

Oh, and Kleenex. At least 2 boxes. The cytoxan makes the nose run. At least I think it's the cytoxan?Make it 3 boxes, to be on the safe side. I also got into oatmeal in the morning. I'd ch0p up apricots and golden raisins w/ maple syrup. Your tastes change, that's all I can say.

vtellen

Hey, Robyn- I have a pond and a stream, as well! We expect the pond to over flow, thereby trapping the horses in the paddock and barn. I just hope we don't lose too many trees. Scott bought a new chain saw, so we are ready at least!

Ashvegas

Dogmom - Feel free to join us anytime.  We laugh because I get a lot of looks like "is she a L?"  and sometimes I scare kids but overall is ok.  We live in South Asheville where it is much more like Greenville SC (where I am from) but people up here still accept the abnormal as normal.  

 You are in Horse Coutry - I spend A LOT of time there with my daughter at horse shows!  Wanna trade?

  

capinva

Morning ladies,



VtEllen, my onco nurse told me the reason the nose runs is because I lost the hairs in the nose which filters everything and keeps the nose from running. She said to use a nose spray. I hate nose sprays so I haven't done that yet. So far it is just annoying. If it gets worse I will use the nose spray. She also told me when I lose the eyelashes to make sure I get eye drops to help cleanse the eyes.



I hope everyone stays safe in this storm. We have a lot of cloud cover and rain off and on. May get 3-5 inches and we are 4 hours from Va beach.



I am reading The Help now. Great book. Can't put it down.



Stay safe everyone

Madismommy719

Ok, I'm in chemo prep mode this weekend. Honestly, I think my DH thinks I'm crazy with my lists of stuff to do and buy but I need this to feel I'm in control. I think I'm going to make a couple homemade soups tomorrow but don't want to mess up every pot in the house..... Anyone have any fairly simple (preferably one pot, or crockpot) ideas??? I know I'm making my grandma's chicken soup....it's always helped me feel better throughout my life's ups and downs..... Than maybe potato? But is a cream based soup too heavy??? I already have yogurt and fruit and crackers and jello on my list.... Anything else that's helped you??



I'm going into Tuesday armed with everything I have.....

zanoza

Hi girls,

Thanks a lot for your meal ideas, will try some. I've been taking kytril, dexamethasone & stemetil for nausea. It looks like every onc. prescribes his own meds. I'll try asking about other drugs that you're all taking, maybe those will work better. Today is day 4 and I'm supposed to stop all anti-nausea drugs but don't feel like it. Plus that terrible headache... Sorry for venting but I really didn't expect it to hit that fast and that bad.

koalakid39

Madismommy, I have a really good recipe for taco soup that is super simple. It has pinto and kidney beans, corn, onion, hominy, gr beef or turkey, and some other stuff....one pot!  It's southwestern type soup....let me know!

I hope everyone has a good se free day!

Madismommy719

Koala...yes please, I'll take it! Plus, it sounds like something my family would enjoy too!!! I'm also shopping for things to help my family survive on when I'm too tired to cook....

Taylor777

Good Morning Everyone!!!

 I have to say all of you women are amazing!! I cant even keep up with your posts!! Im glad Chrys that your pets are home and safe!! Madismommy where are you getting all your energy from?? I still have a bunch Of stuff to buy for Tues. and I'm having my son's 9th birthday party on sat. that I have to prepare for!! I have no energy and I'm starting to freak about starting chemo on tues!!!! Can I still take my ativan and pain killers before I do chemo??

I dont mean to sound like a complainer but my port area and my neck are still sore!! I've been icing it taking pain pills..ughhhh!!! Is this normal?? I had it done on Tues and its sat. and it still is uncomfortable but I know diana you said yours lasted 10 days...Im just getting angry about everyhting now!! Summer is almost over havent enjoyed it bec of all the worry and stress of just being dx and now on Tues. I start chemo..The whole hair thing is freaking me out!! This whole BC sucks and its not fair that any of us are going thru this!!

I took my 8 yr old son to the dr. last Thurs and he started crying saying what if he has cancer? Absolutely bull that our kids have to go thru this life is so not fair!!

I am so sorry I'm just having a bad day !!  Hope your all enjoying your Saturday!!!

mommyx2

Thanks grimbol and vtellen - I'm headed to the store for immodium and will try the salt gargle. You gals are so much more informative than the docs! Taylor777 - I hear you about the kids - my nearly 3 year old is super sensitive and I hate to think of him worrying about this!! Hang in there!

Chrys23

Morning --

Hope everyone is ok today; especially those of us on the Eastern side of the country!

Taylor: Ooh, sorry that your little one is upset; poor little guy. My son will be 21 next month (I'm 46), and I even hate to be around him with my hair all balding and messy   I think he's worried, but as a young man, he doesn't talk about it much.  I try to act as "normal" as possible (whatever that is). I hope your little guy will be ok.  I know that Tuesday is looming for you; so I pray you have some peace as you start treatment. Oh and your profile pic is gorgeous!!

Hello to Mommyx2!!

sandejosgirl

Madismommy, I did 4 rounds of dose dense AC. Cream wasn't too dense, actually cream helped with the nausea and mouth sores! At least for me.

I am almost done with my Chemo, started May 24th, 4xAC, and weekly Taxolx6, just 2 left.  Taylor, unfortunately kids do get used to chemo! I have a 7, turning 6 in Sept, 3.5 and 10 month old.  It sucks, but we are surviving. I think once we "settled" in to Chemo and got a routine, however sucky, it helped my kids feel "normal".  A new cancer normal.

~Stephanie

summergirl1

finally feeling good again a little more tired than normal but no other SEs but tommorrow is day 12 for me and Im starting to freak out about the HAIR, its still all intact but was told to start expecting it to come out after day 12 , Im so afraid to wash/brush it for fear it will start , I am still not sure how I will cope with this when it happens, I am so tiny built I feel like all I really have is my thick long hair without it there will be nothing of me, and Madismommy I agree losing my breast was no big deal to me as compared to this, 

I have been eating normally but have lost another 5lbs since chemo began ,not sure why I will have to let them know cant afford to lose any more.  

Good luck to all and STAY safe those of you in east coast ,, heard bad weather is on the way.

Dogmom

Ashevegas, I would happily trade! Asheville has so much more going on and right now I would like to fit in with the abnormals.  Normally small town is nice but I hate having to explain things all the time. I would like to ignore this chemo thing as much as I can!

Taylor777, my port has been in for 3 wks and it's still a little sore for me too. I hate it. Something about this big lump really bothers me. Plus there is something going on with the neck incision, so I have a lttle lump there too. Seeing the doctor on Monday and going to ask about that. I know it's better than getting stuck in my veins as it usually takes some time to get it right but still.....

 Hope everyone in the path of Irene stays safe!

Everyone hang in there, we will get through this!

dianamaps

Taylor777 - it's really only been in the last couple days that I've forgotten about my port altogether (it's not bothering me at all).  One nurse said on Thursday (2 days ago, 2nd round of chemo) tht I should ice it again, after it having been used. But I forgot to and I really haven't needed it.  She also said to take a couple ibuprofen.  Which I did do yesterday.

mommyx2: I started doing salt-water rinses last week, 3-4 times/day, and brushing after EVERY meal/snack.  All beginning mouth sores went away and no other new ones have started. 

Hair is now starting to come out in tufts.  It's gross. I got it cut short (Halle Berry length) last week, so at least it's not long strands.  I'm anxious about the whole shaving thing, but I may have hubby help me get it down to a 1/4" buzz cut.   

I've been tired all day today, but not much nausea at all. Two new things this round that might be making the difference: a scopolamine patch behind my ear plus acupuncture yesterday.  And I still have this tiny acupuncture thing on my wrist that's pressing that one site that affects nausea.  So don't know what's exactly helping, but I'm grateful for whatever it is.

sara1970

Hi ladies,

I started chemo about a week ago - one down and seven to go: dose-dense CMF, followed by a neulasta chaser each time. First one wasn't so dreadful - various degrees of fatigue, some difficulty focusing, but staying ahead of other SE's. My tissue expanders started feeling especially hard and clenched-up following the chemo - the onc's nurse swears that it is not related to Chemo - uhhh, okay - sure. They'd been feeling pretty good for the two weeks prior.

Anyway, glad to be here. I've enjoyed catching up on the posts on this thread - lots of witty minds and fierce senses of humor.

vtellen

Hi sara, Welcome to our merry band of chemo-crazed gals! So, I don't have TEs, so I have no idea what I am talking about - but, I'm just wondering if maybe the clenched-up feeling could be from tension? Just saying that because "clenched-up" would be a good term for how I felt when I had my first dose. And, I'm sure that is how I'll feel on mon. for my 2nd dose!

Dianamaps - I'm betting that the accupuncture is helping a lot. And, I'm jealous! I have an appt for thurs. which will be my 3rd day out, so hopefully I can make that appt.

summergirl1

Sara 1970, Hi I agree about the TEs I started to feel them much sorer since my chemo and they had felt so good prior , and we had MX on same day 6/27 

JMULL

sara and summergirl - in regards to the TEs - my physical therapist says to move them around.  When I go to PT she pushes them inwards as she says they have a tendancy to slide to the side.  I don't know if this will help or not, but I haven't experienced any changes with mine since I started chemo last week.

 Hope this helps!

sara1970

Summergirl - thank you for the validation! Unreal how the 'experts' want to deny that this is a result of the chemo. I hope we both feel better soon. Interesting that we are sharing a similar path

JMULL - thank you alsofor the great tip. I will start that ASAP - my PS's nurse also suggested pushing them around.

vtEllen - I am glad your second dose is coming - one more closer to being DONE! It'll happen before we know it! 

Are there any ladies here doing CMF? Today is day 9 after my first dose - and I lost an impressive amount of hair today. I did not count the hairs, but I'd guess there were at least 500 between the shower drain and my brush... I thought I'd be able to hold on to my  hair for several more weeks. Anyone experience anything similar?