August 2011 chemo, anyone w/ me?!

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  • IslandGirl50
    IslandGirl50 Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2011

    Same thing going on with the TE.  I had first round of AC on Monday and by Wednesday TE were hurting!  I was just getting so I could sleep on my sides too!  I started sleeping in my sports bra and that has helped a lot. 

    Hope all of you are having a good weekend!

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  • Doodlebug12
    Doodlebug12 Member Posts: 35
    edited August 2011

    Hi girls



    Hope that everyone is safe and well



    Well it's day 4 since 2nd tx for me and I can honestly say that the last few days have been rotten



    Awful side effects with this treatment - hope they dont get much worse - my coping mechanisms won't put up with much more



    Quick question for you all - my hair is really falling out badly now and I need to get it off... When u talk of getting your heads buzzed - what does that mean - don't laugh girls but my hairdresser is recovering from a cattaract op and won't be able to see to fix my hair till next week sometime and I can't wait that long - dd's boyfriend has a shaver thing and says he will do my hair tomoro for me... What will he leave me with - stubble, some hair, help??? I haven't got a clue!!

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  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011

    hahah doodlebug, it would leave you with a short stubble.  that's how mines was/is.  when it's a short stubble, it'll continue falling out, just more manageable :)

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  • IslandGirl50
    IslandGirl50 Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2011

    I got my wig today and the wig person told me when my hair starts falling out really bad to let my husband buzz it with the thing he uses on his head.  It looks like the clippers the groomer uses on my dog.  She said there would be stubble left and to take baby oil and rub it on my head and the stubble should turn loose too.  Why does this have to be a side effect??? Isn't it enough that we have cancer?

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  • michelleo13
    michelleo13 Member Posts: 342
    edited August 2011

    Okay ladies, so I've decided I hate wearing my wig. It looks fine...but it gives me a headache. I wore it for about 2 hours yesterday and about 2 hours today and couldn't wait to get it off. I ordered a bunch more scarves and wraps from headcovers.com. I have a feeling I'll be using them way more than the wig. I still have hair but it's really really thin.

    Some relief from the constipation today. Overall, I'm feeling pretty good but can't get rid of this metallic taste in my mouth. I've been sucking on LifeSavers all day. Any other suggestions?

    Sara1970, welcome to our group. Love the cat in your profile photo!

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  • sandejosgirl
    sandejosgirl Member Posts: 57
    edited August 2011

    you can use clippers with no guard or your husband's beard trimmer. it will leave 1/8 inch stubble that will keep falling out.

    just so you know, I did 4xAC (dose dense) and have done 6/8x weekly Taxol and I still have a tiny bit of stubble. but as for after shaving, but not all gone, I would use a lint tape roll thing on my head in the mornings 'cause it would get itchy on my neck to have tiny hairs falling out all the time.

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  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 288
    edited August 2011

    With my first round of chemo, and my hair was coming out I would use a baby brush, baby shampoo and bending over the bathtub scrub my head to get off as much loose hair as possible. For me it was just easier this way. When I had mouth sores I used dry mouth mouth wash and that was pretty good, Biotene I think.

     I am still having nausea. I thought this round was suppose to be easier but it isn't any easier on my tummy. blah.

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  • jbagley
    jbagley Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2011

    It's Jenn, I am just on day 6 of my 3rd adriamycin and cytoxan treatment. 1 more to go then taxol for 4 rounds.....the fatigue is outrageous. Though not as bad this time as the first two rounds. I like to read everyones posts. I will try to keep up. It is late right now. Can't sleep...........



    Untill tomorrow.

    jennifer. :)

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Michelle....I'm worried about my wigs giving me headaches also.... Especially with the headaches from the chemo drugs.... I just ordered some more scarves from headcovers as well....I actually really like the scarve look, and I was totally anti scarf when this whole thing started....I felt like if I wear scarves out in public I'll be screaming "hey, look at me....I have cancer!!!!". BUT....I have a feeling I might turn to my scarves more than the wigs? Time will tell.... As long as I find peace with the hair loss, I'll put a garbage bag on my head!!!



    Jbagley.... I'm sorry you are so tired!!!! Is it just for those few days each cycle or the whole time? Hugs to you!!!!



    Karebear...baby shampoo is a great idea....I'm adding that to my list for must buys for today!!! I hope your nausea subsides!!! Hugs to you too....



    Islandgirl....I agree 100%, why does hair loss have to be a main s/e?? And why can't they develop a chemo regime that doesn't cause it?



    Okay, wait....my TE's might start hurting again? UGH.... I have finally managed sleeping on my sides a little bit here and there....I can't go backwards with that too? BOO!!!!



    How's everyone's finger and toe nails doing? I'm sitting here looking at my finger nails, wondering if I should trim them way down, if that'll help ward off the dreaded "lifting" from being possible?? My nails are fairly long....always have grown quickly and very strong....probably another thing that'll I'll lose to cancer. I feel like screaming the F word at the top of my lungs sometimes.....



    Hope everyone's having a good sunday so far....and the east coasters are staying safe!!!! And no s/e's for anyone! 48 hours from now I'll be checking in on the 10th floor in chicago for my first "cocktail". Here comes that F word urge again.....

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  • Grimbol
    Grimbol Member Posts: 326
    edited August 2011

    I tried a scarf yesterday and my DH had a fit, he says the same thing, it just screams the obvious, he wants me to wear hats, like that wont scream the same thing.  I think we just have to get used to it and then maybe I can do the scarf thing.  I lost so much hair in the shower this morning I thought for sure there'd be none left, it's definitely thin now but still have some.  So far my nails are fine, not growing so quickly but still ok.  It does mean the pedicure I had right before will last longer than usual!

    My second tx is Wednesday, and although I've done this once already now I am really not looking forward to this, thank goodness for the Xanax!!

    Hope you are all doing ok today and have a peaceful day.

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  • Taylor777
    Taylor777 Member Posts: 141
    edited August 2011

    Ok so I'm really starting to freak out about having my first treatment on Tues.!! When they plug you into the chemo do you feel anything?? Is it painless?? I've been using the F word quite a bit around here...I should be enjoying this beautiful day with my family but instead I'm stressing out and having my daily meltdowns..:(

    The whole hair thing with wearing wigs, scarves, hats I know it just screams "I have Cancer', I should stick a sign on me that says "Yes I have Cancer!!" I cant stand people who stare and give pity looks!! We're all going to be fine this is something we just have to go thru, thats what I keep telling myself...

    I hope everyone doing is going okay especially the on the east coast!!

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  • capinva
    capinva Member Posts: 138
    edited August 2011

    Michelleo13 - I order hair extension from head covers and that is easier to wear than the wig. There is only little bands that go across the top of the head then the hair hangs below it. You have to wear a hat but for me it is more comfortable than the wig. Plus the extension is the same length that I had before all this started. I wear a hat or scarf when I go to the store or at home. Only wear the wig at work. Some days that is too long.



    Taylor777 I am sorry you are having a rough time.



    Madismommy - I hope the wig doesn't give you a headache. Hang in there.



    Wishing everyone a free S/E weekend. Have a wonderful weekend

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  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Taylor- I hardly even felt my IV going in, my nurse was pretty smooth. I'm not sure what your chemo is-A/C? I am T/C, and I had steroids, anti nausea meds, benedryl and I think another stomach med before the Chemo drugs. They do not burn or anything. And I will take an Ativan tomorrow before I head in, to help w/ nausea and anxiety.

    I seem to only be able to figure out how to do a baseball cap. It is sad - after selling zillions of scarves for years, I never wore one on my head, and I can't make it look right. My daughter and step son both thought that I looked like a gang member wannabe or something.

    Fingernails and toes are fine so far...

    BREATHE, everyone. It will be Ok.

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  • 46MD
    46MD Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    Hi everyone. Maryland girl here is doing ok after Irene, better than some. And last night was just horrrrrrible for me with my bowels (day 3 after treatment, day after neulesta shot) Its just ridiculous what this all does to my body for about 3 days. Today I'm much better, but not the night to have to stress whether a tree will fall into your house!

    I don't normally feel anything when the drugs go in. Sleepy at some point. Losing hair like crazy!! Scarf time is coming sooner than I thought.

     Was afraid I was getting mouth sores the other day, but I seemed to fight it off with biotene, and its subsided.

    I get angry they don't push more 'good stuff' you could do for yourself. Or is it just my Onc?? Why aren't we told more about stomach enzymes, or what vitamins/supplements might help us feel more energetic?

    I'll stop venting. Feeling better today. But its a brutal few days so far.

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  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011

    Taylor, don't be nervous about the chemo infusion, seriously, you won't feel a thing!!!!!!  You'll do just fine :)  how's wig shopping??

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  • michelleo13
    michelleo13 Member Posts: 342
    edited August 2011

    Madismommy, my fingernails are actually growing faster than usual. I had to cut them last night. Go figure!

    I totally hear what you guys are seeing about the scarves and the "look at me...I'm a cancer patient". Every time I look in the mirror I'm reminded of what is going on. Until now, I've been coping really well. Losing my hair hit me a lot harder than I expected.

    vtEllen, I have a tough time with scarves too. I bought one of the caps that ties in the back from headcovers.com and it seems to work well.

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  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Michelle- I'll have to look into the caps. I just tried messing w/ the scarves again. this time I reminded myself of Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music, but in a bad way...   Oh! We're getting thunder here- must be the storm is coming closer?

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  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    No, actually I look more like an arabian sheik. Ah well. I'll keep trying.

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  • JMULL
    JMULL Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2011

    Thought for the day that hopefully will make you all laugh.  I forgot which website I saw this on, but once this is all said and done I am going to get it. 

    It is a tee shirt that says "Of course these are fake, the real ones tried to kill me!".

    Nausea and fatigue are kicking my butt today.  Praying for those of you on the east coast!  Stay safe.

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    I bought a great easy tie one at headcovers and tlc that I really like. Just put on my head and tie the two tails on it..... Than I just adjust the forehead so it sits back a little (otherwise u get that "over the eyes" gangster look..... Those already tied ones are handier than u know what.... :). Although, I'm getting good with the tying too, but only the basic look.....I bought the "oversized cotton woodblock" ones from headcovers and the instructions worked well!!!!



    Aimska....so encouraging for me to hear the infusion doesn't really hurt!!!! I do NOT handle that "vein flushing" feeling well at all....and that's what I've envisioned.



    VtEllen......stay SAFE!!!! And you'll get the scarves and we'll all be pros by the time we are done...



    Taylor....you and me both on the anxiety.... I've been food prepping all day, because if I don't keep busy I'll drive mysel crazy thinking about the chair. If I can't eat after Tuesday, atleast my family won't starve. Hang in there!!!!!!



    46md....glad to hear you are safe after Irene and feeling ok after your treatment.... Which biotene did you use that stopped the mouth sores? I bought one but noticed there were several different kinds...



    Hugs to you all!!!!!!

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  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited August 2011

    Afternoon!  What a crazy night with this hurricane!

    Lost power last night and it just came on! Parts of Central NJ here are under water -- especially right down the street from me, the water is waist deep! It's insane; most of the roads are closed and major roads are look like lakes. Very crazy!  Surprised

    Taylor: You will do ok! You don't feel anything, and to be honest, the infusion does not hurt (meaning the meds don't hurt going in) and is almost non-eventful. It's just like getting fluids in the hospital, if you've ever had that.  We'll be thinking of you!

    I look HORRIBLE in scarves -- just don't look right. I'd rather wear my wigs and I have so many now, that I'm happy with that. I've been wearing trendy hats too; which look cute with big hoop earrings! I like to be fashionable, even while on chemo AHAHA!

    I noticed that my right thumb-nail looks "dark" close to the cuticle. I hope my nails aren't starting to turn. I purchased tea-tree oil and clear protectant, but maybe I'm too late.. :(

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Jmull....I bought that shirt for myself!!! :). I love it.... I haven't worn it yet, waiting til I get my exchange all done next year!!!



    Hope you start to feel better!!!

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  • Cat_Mandu
    Cat_Mandu Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2011

    Hiya vtEllen,

    yep, very similar to my situation. I've had my mastectomy, now doing my course of TC chemo andwill then embark on a 5 year course of hormone treatment. And if it is anything to go by what I'm going through now, then God bless my hubby. At the moment the moodswings are diabolical. But that might settl itself. (So my hubby hopes).

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  • koalakid39
    koalakid39 Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2011

    Madismommy--I sent you a PM with that taco soup recipe--let me know if you got it or if you have any questions!

    I wore a scarf to church this morning, but it was short lived! We go to a small church and our pastors wife said she wanted to see my shaved head. She said it looks great, and not to wear the scarf! She said I had a nice round head. She also told me to just save the head coverings until the weather turns cooler, but that wont work for me, I'm too self concious!

    I hope everyone is doing well over on the east coast with minimal problems!

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  • vtellen
    vtellen Member Posts: 345
    edited August 2011

    Our pond is seriously overflowing into the horse paddock. Major wash out! And the wind is picking up! I have my stuff all ready for tomorrow morning, looking forward to perusing my magazines while I receive my lovely fluids!

    What is it w/ the nails? Will teatree oil help? My hands are peeling so much, I look like I have leprosy, it is NOT attractive.

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  • Robyn6463
    Robyn6463 Member Posts: 167
    edited August 2011

    I didn't know this would mess up our nails too! Is there any more good news out there? I've got a blood blister under my thumb from where I pinched it in April, and the nail is just starting to come off from that...but I sort of expected that to happen when it grew anyway?

    The actual infusion was sort of anti-climatic. Not much worse than any normal IV. Just that nose burn thing, and some flushing that made them slow things down! Sleepiness from all the other drugs!

    Hair is coming out rapidly! I just tried to tuck a piece back under my turban and it came out in my hand. The turban is pretty handy at collecting loose hairs, they were getting messy. I love my pre-tied scarf. Fashion statement that I don't have to mess with! And yes, everything I own for my head sreams "I'm a cancer patient." So now I just stay home unless absolutely necessary!

    We've weathered Irene very well here at my house, but things in town are terrible. Bridges washed out, evacuations, no fatalities at this point, but 5 firemen went in the water trying to rescue someone. They've all been recovered, one in pretty serious condition. DD just made it home, another DD on the way here 'cause she can't get from work to her house.Praying for the safety of my neighbors, and all the rest of the people impacted by this horrible storm.Hope you're all staying safe! Hang in there!

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  • Doodlebug12
    Doodlebug12 Member Posts: 35
    edited August 2011

    Hi girls



    Quick check in from me. I am hoping that you are all well and that any s/e's are manageable,



    Shaved my head today and sobbed crying - as each strand of hair fell I sobbed louder - got to the hyper-ventilating stage (was really going for theatrics girls) and looked up at my reflection in the kitchen window and whatever I saw made me laugh... Yes hysterics set in... Went from being a mess to being in acceptance. I can honestly say that I feel 100% better now that the plunge has been taken and I am an official baldy bonce!!!



    Husband thinks I look like sinead o'connor (we really need to find a better bald person girls as she is a trifle nuts) daughters think I look like a gremlin - they want me to put green face paint on - just for the laugh and my darling 8yr old son has put it all into perspective and says that I look ugly but sure most girls are!!! he also tells me when nobody is listening and he doesn't have to be this big brave boy - that I am still mam, still smell like mam and that hair really is over-rated!!!



    Hope that I have cheered a few people up - I can't say today was easy - but it's a hell of a lot better than I thought it would be



    Love to you all



    Michaela

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Doodlebug....your kids are awesome!!!! It sounds like they took it all really well and made you feel better about it too!!!!! I'm sorry you sobbed, but I bet it actually helped a little?? And I KNOW my sobs are coming.... Tomorrows a new day and I bet you look beautiful!!! And I agree, there's gotta be someone better than sinead o'connor...... We all need to brainstorm.



    Cat....welcome!!! Glad you found us!



    Robo.... I'm going to trim all my nails as short as possible before Tuesday.....the nail lifting is one s/e I really don't think I can handle..... Which means I'll probably get it. :-/ BOO!!!



    Robyn....glad you weathered the storm with no Incidents.....and that youre family is safe!!!!! Some of the towns we saw on the news coverage looked pretty bad....it breaks my heart when I see the houses (or what's left) that are swept out to sea....horrible.



    VtEllen....I hope you don't have any major flooding.... Stay safe and good luck tomorrow. I need to pick up a good trashy mag for Tuesday too!!!! Maybe this will be my excuse for reading the enquirer??? :)



    Koala...I did get it and thank you, I made it today and it is really good!!!! :)



    All my chemo prep is done I think??? A huge pot of chicken vegetable soup, I saved all the extra chicken broth and strained it separately if I don't feel like eating the chicken or veggie part....I made

    Koala's soup in one of my crock pots and corn chowder in the other.....I cut up fresh fruit and have two good sized containers of it ready to go..... I cut up fresh cucumber slices and tomatoes for salad and went out and bought bottled water, my claritin (which I started!!), prilosec, prep. h cooling gel, Kleenex, eye drops, chap stick, biotene, hand sanitizers, eucerin lotion, imodium, senekot s, a new toothbrush, baby oil, baby shampoo, peppermint tea, ginger tea, ginger chewy candies, peppermint lifesavers, ginger wafers, crackers, cranberry juice, fruit Popsicles, yogurt and croissants & English muffins(I do well with bread products if nauseous too). I still feel like I'm forgetting something though??????

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  • aimska
    aimska Member Posts: 68
    edited August 2011

    wow good job with the chemo prep!!!   for me though, after chemo, I can't eat bread type foods. its too dry!!!   I drink soups and have water.. I tried eating bread last time and it was like chalk.. I could barely swallow it.  :P

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  • Madismommy719
    Madismommy719 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2011

    Ugh Aimska....I'm not looking forward to not liking my usual fave things and having the crappy metallic taste everyone seems to have. :( everything I've eaten this weekend I've savored each bite.... Hopefully it won't be too bad, *sigh*

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