Taxotere/Cytoxan starting February 2012.

Kim48

Hi my friends,



Hugs to all dealing with hair. I've now been without hair for 3 weeks. If you saw my posts then, they are similar to yours. I still dont like it, but I'm getting somewhat used to it. I am bald or with a hat at home. My sis-in-law and her hubby got used to seeing me this way this weekend. I could not have imagined that 3 weeks ago, but comfort wins out! I also realize that you just blend in with the wig. When I'm out, people don't think about me being in a wig. I am slowly beginning to feel less self conscience. Hang in there. Take it one day at a time.



Also, as the buzz cut hair fell out, a lint roller was very helpful and it worked!!!!



I have my 3tx on Wed and am worried that they'll postpone it. I have bad allergies or a cold, not sure. My legs are suddenly all blotchy, too. That's new, crazy SE.



Neli, I'm praying that you find the right answer.



Everyone with TX this week, good luck.

Myleftboob

I'm kind of looking forward to the point where I just have to shave the head and be done with it as soon as I can.  Its everywhere literally and just looks so thin.  Yes lint rollers are our friends LOL even now.

Neli143727

Bonnie,Imola,ColdenMom, Kim Thank you!

Bonnie, my positive thoughts and wishes for an easy 2d treatment day for you!!!

Day 14 post treatment: my hair is falling off; still bad head aches, still bleeding, still belly aches, tired, swollen, achy legs. Able to eat normal food today, even had salad...

I am feeling sad only because I am loosing hair...and happy that I can eat and taste what I eat.

Hugs and wishes for a good day to all!

firstcall

Neli...I'm not allowed to have salad.  Or fresh fruits/vegs - only cooked, or things that I can peel.  I can still taste, but not everything tastes the same as before. 

lmlola59

Hi all,

I have been trying when awake to not dwell on the hair but a whole different story when trying to sleep.At least I see it isn't just me and makes me feel a bit better.Day 7 nothing yet but I know that will change soon I envision seeing it in the shower first check the drain strainer everytime I show and just about count the hairs.I buzzed the hubbies head yesterday as I usually do and we were laughing at how he will be doing mine next weekend.

Ulightup I did purchase a straight hair halo from the same boutique I bought the wig but have not yet worn it.I will have to have the bangs cut if I decide to use them with a hat they are velcro and removable.I also know for a fact I will need to go back when I loose my hair to get the wig taken in they will do this for free as part of the purchase.I also bought from TLC a curly longer halo  since this is the only place i saw one that was longer but I am not sure I am going to keep it.Seems a little thin to me but maybe that is because I still compare it to my own hair. I also decided to get a few scarves I thought at home they would be the most comfortable thing to throw on in privacy of my own home,but I can't see me wearing them in public to me it screams chemo.I think that anyone who is not in tune to this would not notice.I now find my self really looking at people and thinking Humm real or wig especially when I see some one with a hat over hair.I do believe I picked out a couple but I now have an eye for it.Those not even thinking about it would not.I also got one scarf from Headcovers and am very disappointed at how thin it is not sure if  will keep this the colors are really pretty though.I also got a cap that goes under a scarf for more bulk underneath and a velcro bang.I am planning to go through everything today and make my decisions just wasn't able to deal with it till now.All this on line purchasing was do on the steroids.

Myleftboob I do have the roller locked and loaded

Kim48 I sure hope you get before Wed can't imagine getting your self psyched up to move forward and the rug gets pulled out from under you.Sucks big time.Have you mentioned it yet to your MO and see if they can give you an antibiotic or something?

Best day to all and limited SE's 

A_FIGHTER

Morning, 

lmlola59: Thank you! Yes, nuts...LOL...Glad to see you finally got the nerve to tell some family. FYI - Heads up about Facebook if you're NOT comfortable with it. I have a friend diagnosed a week and a half ago with Colon Cancer and she told her 18 year old son. He then posted it on Facebook. She is NOT on Facebook and was upset he had done this. I was also talking with my Husband's Aunt about this as well and her daugther did the same thing when she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

ColdenMom: Thankyou! Good luck at work today! Let us know how the buzz goes.

Shera & mthrdee: Wishing you the best with the hair!

myleftboob: I was so looking forward to shaving the head when I started with the uncomfortable scalp, itchiness, shedding, balding, etc...I feel so MUCH better now!

Neli: Thank you! Hang in there kiddo! Keep us posted on what you are choosing to do for your next treatment.

firstcall: My friend who went through BC treatment as well was told the same thing about salads/fruit/veggies. However, I was not. I was just told to be careful eating out in confined spaces. Perhaps she found this out due to dealing with low counts. Also, she may have found this out after first treatment. I will ask MO today about this.  

I did Boot Camp this morning. I now realize the Steroids effect my running/breathing. I'm a little more winded with a heartbeat of 166 where normally not winded till 186. My eyes are bothering me a little as well.

I go in today at 11:00 am almost half-way done!!!

Hugs,

Bonnie 

 The BAD news is - We are our own WORST enemies.

The GOOD news is - We are our own GREATEST champions.

AnnTop

Hi, everyone -- looks like more of us are getting into our treatment cycles now. I'm 3 days post No. 3, and had the neulasta shot today, Took a claritin 24 before going in and will continue for at least a couple of days -- it worked well last time to manage side affects. This go round my mouth has been affected sooner, but hard candies are helping with the "off taste" and olive oil soothes the coated tongue feeing. Other than that, I'm doing pretty well other than sleeping longer than ususal after treatment. I hope everyone else gets mild SEs too.

For those dealing with hair loss (mine's been gone for a month now), I couldn't bear seeing the patchy hair in the mirror. So I sat in the backyard and pulled my hair out -- truly, and it didn;t hurt -- and then my husband buzzed what was left to a quarter inch. I left the hair for birds to use in nesting, as it's that time of year. Somehow it was easier to go from hair one moment and no hair 15 minutes later, with no peaking at a mirror until it was gone. Now I can't get over all the compliments strangers give me on my little 1920's bob of a wig -- a cut different from what I had and a darker hair color. Makes me think about how I'll wear my hair when it grows back. The loss of our hair is hard, but try to see it as a temporary adventure. (And away from work, I either have a bandanna on or go topless -- you get used to it!)

firstcall

So....a few hairs are coming out.....question, is there a way to have the gray ones go first? 

Myleftboob

firstcall

That would be nice wouldn't it LOL!

AnnTop

Thanks for the pep talk on the whole hair issue!  You only have one more to go!!!

AnnTop

Firstcall:  I feel like I have a lot of gray too, but then I noticed that my scalp is so white, it makes what little hair I have look that way too. I'm pretty olive-skinned otherwise. Maybe we could use a Sharpie on the gray ones? (But it's nice not to have shave legs or under arms -- talk about fast in the shower now...)

Gayle56

Firstcall - I wasn't told not to eat anything in particular.  What I want to know is there a way to not have the gray ones come back

 Number 3 is certainly proving to be a challenge - if the exhaustion and nausea wasn't enough.  I now picked up some kind of stomach bug so I am sidelined today and I am thinking probably tomorrow also.  Of course it could be just another SE so I will give it another day.

 Hope everyone has easy treatments and SE's this week.

lmlola59

Anntop how wonderful for you to have completed #3.I find myself counting the days since my first and it seems to be taking forever,hopefully this changes as time goes on.I am glad to hear your symptoms are still tolerable.I like the idea of leaving the hair for the birds to build their nest I will try to remember that.

ColdenMom

Bonnie - love the quote! Hope treatment went ok today.... You mentioned the Facebook posts, I am on Facebook but was not public about it at first. My 16 year old nephew found out about my diagnosis from his parents (my husbands brother/sis) one night I went on FB and he had posted something like "please pray for my Aunt Kelly she has cancer again and needs us." It was so thoughtful but I hadn't shared it with my brothers kids yet (12, 14, 16) who i am extremely close with and two of which are on FB and friends with my nephew who posted. Needless to say we had to do a little damage control because they were so upset with the news.



Work went better than expected, my co- workers were very welcoming and supportive and the day flew by. People did tell me they thought I looked good despite the chemo and of course mentioned that I still had my hair. We will see by the end of the week if that's still the case... I'm tired tonight but not overly. I was only going to do a few hours but a few turned into 9 quickly.



Firstcall- do you recall why they say no salad etc? I vaguely recall hearing that when my counts were very low when I had Hodgkins and your saying that brought that back to memory. I have been eating salad non stop now I'm a little worried that I should not. Ill check with my MO next week too.



Best wishes to everyone this week going through their 2nd and 3rd treatments... We will all be done before we know it.



Take care,

Kelly

firstcall

Kelly,  My MO is very cautious, which I appreciate.  His biggest concern is the potential for infection, which is enhanced by the fact that I work around sick people.  He asked me to only eat cooked food while receiving chemo.  That means no salad, no fresh fruits/veggies unless you can peel them.  A lot of that stuff is imported, and occasionally will carry a bacteria on it.   And I do see occasional food poisoning from these types of foods, and you sometimes read about it in the news.  At any rate, he felt that it just wasnt worth the risk while on chemo because it (the chemo) compromises your immunity.  I also require everyone I see to have their temperature taken before I meet with them, and I don't see patients with infections after my chemo treatments until I make sure I have a normal white blood cell count.  Particularly respiratory infections.  I take a very cautious approach. 

ColdenMom

Silviazara - how are you doing? Just thinking about you....

ColdenMom

Firstcall - that makes complete since! He and you are wise to be cautious - I'll be doing the same. Thank you...



Take good care!

Myleftboob

I heard the same about the raw foods.  Everything is imported here at this time of year.  Last thing you would want to risk is e-coli exposure.  This would much harder to do in the summer.  I suppose that's a positive.

A_FIGHTER

Good Evening Ladies,

Second Round Done, Wahoo! Half-Way there!

AnnTop: I LOVE the bandanas! I have just about EVERY color. I purchased new ones off of EBAY. Great idea, hair for the birdies!

firstcall: I was always a grey hair plucker (tweezers) if I could see them...LOL...Then once chemo started I found I could just pull them right out!

Gayle56: Sorry to hear about stomach bug along with the SE's...ick! Hope you get better real soon!

ColdenMom: Glad to hear work went better than expected! As for salad, it's due to possible bacteria and having low counts. It's better to have salad at home so you can be sure washed well.

I meant to tell you in this morning's post I slept well last night and with NO help from Mr. Tylenol PM! Yeah!!

So the MO said my breathing issues with running are due to chemo NOT steroids, but I don't know about this. I had the same issue the first week first round as well when taking steroids. I ran yesterday 4 miles with no problem before Steroids. Then today I had a problem with the running.

I had some friends concerned that working out TOO MUCH would reduce the benefits of the chemo working, which I doubted, but asked anyway. Actually, what happens is it can produce MORE toxicity to my system...LOVELY...hence why extreme knee pain Friday, so she says...She recommended doing one activity a day...I countered with every other day...LOL...Her response was okay see how you feel. She is not concerned with Uric Acid build-up...simply just doing too much and it's a result of the Chemo.

I asked about the Chemo being uped if one does well...she said not the case...It is based on the weight.

As for Steroids, she said I do not need to take them tomorrow. We will see what happens!

First & Second treatment ONLY receive Benadryl...3rd and 4th treatment I will not...This is because allergic reaction could still be possible for 2nd treatment. I had no reaction once again.

Today went very well. One prick and we were good to go! There was NO defective needle this time! Wheww! I started at 12:35 - Benadryl/Nasuea Meds. at 1:05 started Taxotere. Then 2:13 started Cytoxan and she ran it slower (hour and a half rather than an hour) supposedly this could help with allergy issues (nose) like I expereinced before. At least for treatment time. They couldn't guarantee days later. I took a short nap this time. 

My counts were absolutely fine today fine. I asked about salads/fruit etc...Infusion nurse did say if counts are low this is recommended. Therefore, I am fine.

A friend who goes to the same Oncologist office had received a Cook Book from the infusion nurse. I asked her for one today. It's GREAT! It breaks down recipes for Day of Chemo, Neutropenia, Diarrhea, Constipation, Sore Mouth/Throat, High Calorie-High Protein, Snacks & Light Meals, Caregiver, & Healthy Eating Post Treatment. The title is Eating Well Through Cancer Easy Recipes & Recommendations During & After Treatment by Holly Clegg & Gerald Miletello, M.D.

After chemo Hubby and I went for early dinner. Then I needed to go to girlfriend's house at 5:15 until 8:00 as we needed to weigh-in/measure our participants for a weight-loss challenge that begins tomorrow. It's been a LONG day!

I'm feeling sleepy so I am going to try going to bed once again using no help!

Stay Positve, Strong & Beautiful Ladies

Hugs,

Bonnie 

lmlola59

Coldenmom happy your day back to work went well I honestly don't know how you guys are doing it.I just can't seem to keep a schedule since started treatments.I use to get up at 4 am to work out before work when I was working now I get up at 7 but take some time before I even think of doing it.You and all the others who are able to do this are very strong.

As for the facebook posting this is exactly why I don't want everyone to know some people as far as I am concerned just don't respect what this is about and it is our choice who and when we tell.My own children are smart enough to know this but I have a few relatives that would put it out there just because this is all they have.I am not that facebook savey but I am going to be job searching when this is over and don't need this out there as we hear that perspective employers look at face book.I am not sure if they can see anything posted by your friends but who needs to take the chance.Plus I have friends that are not part of a close circle and don't need to know.

I do have to allow the children to tell their boyfriend and girlfriend because they are always here.We have always had the kind of house and relationship that their friends are always welcome. And once the hair goes will not be able to hide it.My sons GF goes to college in the next town over and lives here for the weekend so it will get noticed.I know I am very different then most how I am handling this but to each their own it is just the way I am.

Bonnie You never cease to amaze me how well you are doing during this whole thing you did all that after your Infusion? So glad you are feeling well and your counts were still up. Very interesting what your MO said about the exercise I would have thought the opposite exercise to get the toxicity out of your system.I don't think it will stop me as you I have been doing it forever like getting up and washing my face,but may rethink how I feel each day and give it a bit of a break.

I also got that cookbook as part of my Chemo teaching package,I was pretty impressed with it the way it was broken up by SE's and thought that some of the recipes were not to bad and seem to be all easy as that is all you feel like dealing with at this time.

My MO also said to not do the raw during the  Neutrapenia stage when we are most susceptible and wash well on the other times.She did however approve fruit and vegetables in thick skins that you can peel.I will do bananas and oranges only I think.Though I beleive that is the stage I am in now and made a really nice salad for the hubby and kids and really wanted some I imagine it was the want what you can't have factor more than anything.So does anyone know the exact days of this stage is it day 7-12?

Love hearing how many of you have asked your MOs about increasing the dosage and the answer is NO  I was reallynervous about this. 

Gayle56 hope you are feeeling better from your bug that really bites.Just take care of your self and get strong. 

Have a great day everyone and stay strong 

A_FIGHTER

Good Morning Ladies,

lmlola59: The days I was told was Days 7-10, so similar. I was also told this morning by my Infusion Nurse ) she has joined our Boot Camp ) since I'm not talking the steroids today my down day may come a day sooner. So possibly Thurs. rather than Fri.

I slept last night with no Tylenol PM. However, I did toss and turn a few times and noticed some minor night sweats.

So today FEELING great! Day after Chemo + Boot Camp + 2.65 mile run = PRICELESS!! (perhaps the rev from Steroids...LOL)

Mind over Matter! 

Happy Tuesday! Hang in there Ladies we can do this!

A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug - Jimmy Patricia Neal 

  

shera

It's great how active so many of you are! I'm normally active and thought I would be able to maintain some of that... but I've been side-lined by the pain. Today is day 7 of round 1, for me. First signs of pain began late on day 2. Day 3,4,5,6.... main focus was managing the pain. It comes and goes... tends to go during the afternoon... but the evenings have been awful. Last night, I tried meditating to help the pain... a surprised myself by breaking down for about 20 minutes. I can't take the pain. I don't know if I can continue with treatment. Its in my knees, hips, back, neck, and its begun in my shoulders, elbows, and ankles now.

I took Claritin 24. But not Claritin-D.

And, I thought I began my period yesterday, but now I'm worried that its blood in my urine. I already called doc and left message.

lmlola59

Shera so sorry you have been feeling so horrible most probably due to the Nalasta.Must be something they can do for you  I don't think they expect you to endure so much discomfort.

I found today i feel like my self and I started the day before you,I didn't realize how crappy I was feeling till I now feel as I do.My worste days were 5-7 so maybe with any luck tommorrow will be a turn around for you.

Hang in there and do talk with your MO 

ColdenMom

Shera, I wish you were not having so much discomfort. Try the Claritan D not the 24... I had to get it behind the pharmacy counter because it's not on the regular counter. Do call your MO about the blood though. Thinking of you...

Myleftboob

robo47

Thanks for that! I for one aren't even 1/2 way through yet, 2/4 on Friday.  6 rounds wow.  It's great to hear you're on the right side  or better yet PFC!  I just caught what that meant yesterday LOL!  Bit slow I guess.

shera

Thanks Imlola and Coldenmom --- I will most definetly give Claritin-d a shot next time.

well I'm in the hospital... hooked to hydration IV to flush out my system, my bladder in particular. Red urine... I think it may be from a very heavy period, but it was hard to tell earlier with all the other pain, so we are being on the safe side. I'm not in pain right now.

ColdenMom

Shera, your in the best place to ge well! Keep us posted! (((hugs)))

Myleftboob

Ah Shera

You are in the best place just like ColdenMom said.  At least your not in pain now.

Kim48

Robo, thanks for the encouraging words. They are so helpful.



Shera, What else are you taking for bone pain? I tried Tylenol the first time. It wasn't so helpful. Then I tried Aleve and it did nothing. I finally tried Advil and it helped. Hang in there. Thinking of you.



Bonnie! You are an inspiration! My mother-in-law sent me great quotes each day while I waited for surgery. I'm going to pull some of those out to share.



Gayle, I hope you are feeling better. Chemo is enough without extra stuff!



Coldenmom, So glad work went well. I teach first grade and am on leave. I miss it terribly but with chemo, plastic surgeon appointments for TE's, and physical therapy I felt that letting my supply teacher from the surgery stay was the best for my students. I am fortunate that after 27 years of teaching I had 80 sick days. I would have been in and out so much. I'm planning to go back after spring break. I can't wait. I've been in school since I was in preschool! I never stopped!



Anntop, love your bird idea! Cool! Glad you put that moment behind you. It's a tough one, but a relief to put it behind you. Good wishes to all dealing with this.



Neli, thinking of you.



I want to tell all of you wonderful ladies that I am very thankful for all of you. I look forward to seeing your posts each day. It is so calming to know that other people understand. I am in a support group at my church. It is all women and wonderful. I went tonight. However, everybody is at a different stage. There are other types of cancer. It's once per month. I love the group, but it is not each day and they aren't all dealing with the same treatment. There is something very comforting about this group. Thanks to all of you for sharing and being here.



Tomorrow is my 3rd tx. Will be so happy to put it behind me. I keep thinking that 3 weeks from tomorrow will be my last tx. That is a great feeling.



Goodnight my friends

Kim48

Shera, Glad they are taking good care of you. *hug*

Ulightup

Imlola 59 and all of us having hair loss nightmares. My hair was thinning so bad I finally got it shaved. It was difficult ,yet liberating. Just think we will all have new hair after this is all done.

I wore my hat wig to the gym yesterday and it was HOT so today I decided to wear a scarf to the gym. I was uncomfortable driving out of the house, but once I got out there I felt empowered. I am no longer worried what other people think. Who cares! we are a tough group of gals going through chemo and we should feel proud that we have the strength to do it.



Coldenmon- what are you receiving physical therapy for? Cording, lymphedema , pain, decreased ROM or weakness? I am actually a physical therapist specializing in breast cancer rehab. I started the breast rehab program at my hospital after my initial cancer diagnosis in 2005. So this is my 2nd bout with breast cancer and the second time I will beat it! If you have any questions please ask.



Afighter- glad your chemo went well. I have my 2nd one tomorrow. Hoping i can get back to my workouts just as quickly the 1st time. I decided I am going to take it easy the first couple of days after chemo coz last time I lifted weights, pilates and ran and boy did I have the bone and joint pain. So I'm going to walk and do yoga pilates until I see the pain is not so bad.



Shera- as you can read, I also experienced that dang pain. It was scary coz I thought I would never feel better and I didn't think I could go through 6 rounds of TC. It does get better , hang in there. I tried Tylenol , but it didn't work as well as the aleve for me . I think I had a lot of inflammation so an anti-inflammatory worked better in my case. Experiment until you find the right medicine because you shouldn't have to suffer. During this next round of chemo I am going to take clariten d because I took clariten 24 hour last time. My oncologist said to try the D as the other gals have noted above.I am also going to start my pain meds the day after chemo to help maintain a comfortable level.

Wishing you the best and hoe you feel better very soon.