Starting Chemo in December 2013

QuirkyGirl

my hair started coming out in a big way on day 14 after my first TC. Had it buzzed off with a number 3 guard.    It contined to come out with preceded each time by a very sore scalp.  Five days ago I had it buzzed super short with a number 1.  Basically look bald with a light layer of fuzz that you have to really look to see.  I'm seeing my hair loss as a transition for me to look at aging and appearance in a new way and to help me move forward with a new middle aged (and sassy) look once it comes back.  I was shocked to discover I liked super short hair.

Amazonwarrior

I had my # 2 chemo 2 days ago, I suspect that my current 1' or approx. 2 cm peach fuzz will be thinning even more. Since my first round I lost about 80% of my hair already. Mind you, I had pretty thick hair to begin with, even according to my hair dresser. I am still holding on my brows and lashes, but expecting them to go soon.  

OneTexasDay

For the record, my MO was the one who said each round should be easier....  I will tell you round 2 wiped me out... ZERO energy for 3-4 days.  Dizzy spells that I did not have for round 1.  On the other hand, it seems the stomach cramping has not been as bad this go round.

Perhaps every round is another adventure and you just can't be sure what to expect...  I heard on TCHx6 that 3 and 4 are often considered the roughest....  Guess we shall see... TX #3 is probably going to be 1/16.

kimie06

mikesgirl hope round 2 is being kind to you, I got for round 3 tomorrow....ugghhh... dreading it already.  oh well this s**t has to be done... as for the hair long gone, had the husband get out the bic the other day was sick of all the little hairs...it is what it is... so glad I have this forum...

waterdog

Hey ladies.  Back from visiting family and now time to read up.  I chickened out on cutting my hair yesterday because there were too many people around the family get together.  My hair/scalp started hurting in the middle of the night but no hair loss yet.  I know it is coming.  I'm off work for the next few days so if I see some shedding I'm going to see if I can find a discreet place to get my hair cut.  My blood workup was good last week so I am set for my second round on Jan. 9.  Wish I could do it now.  Keep the reports on the second treatments coming.  And here's to 2014.  I'm glad 2013 is behind us!

Crazywabbit

just back from round 2 of AC. Other then a mild headache it went well. I hate the feeling cytoxan gives you in your nose. Like you got a nose full of chlorinated pool water in it.  My sons GF is going to trim my shoulder length hair to chin length.  One step before shaving.  Each time I run my fingers through my hair I am getting more strands out. 

I sent my son home to get me a Fiber One bar during chemo, I was getting hungry. Also he had not eaten any lunch so he grabbed a quick bite. Luckily I only live a few blocks away front the cancer treatment center.   Figure I will push the fiber since the zofran really is constipating. 

My WBC went from 1.5 last week to 9.3 today. Yeah the neulasta worked. Even my hemoglobin and platelets were higher.  I go in tomorrow afternoon for another neulasta shot. 

Hope everyone gets through today and the next few days OK

Barbara

denise4603

My Taxol #4 went smoothly and I made it home before the bulk of the nor'easter. Hope everyone else who spent time in the chair feels okay tonight too.

Mikesgirl17

Very cute cut NEskir99.

DJJ

Thanks Anita, have an appointment tomorrow before round 3.  Will discuss it then.

Mikesgirl17

Hi Kimmie.  Today went well.  Very smooth.  I felt pretty normal up until about 3:00. ( I was home by 12:30.)  Started feeling tired. Made pizzas for the family and I even ate 2 pieces.  This is a first.  I usually eat very little on chemo days.  Then I took the dreaded steroid pill.  I just started feeling a little weird and slightly queasy so I took a lorazapam. Feeling tired.  Hoping for a good nights sleep. For me each time has gotten easier.  I hope this is the case for you.  I hope everyone else is have mild or no se tonight.

Crazywabbit

mikesgirl. What chemo are you getting?

Funny we ordered a pizza tonight and I ate a slice. Made sure to chew it well. Last chemo round I put a bucket and a towel next to the bed.  Did not need it thenand hopefully I will not need it agin tonight. But I will have it there Just In case

Barbara

RobinLK

Blood work normal, chemo #3 under my belt. So is my nap! 😄 Change in Taxol tax, will now be x12 with the Herceptin.. then Herceptin will continue once every 3 weeks to finish out the year. Was initially told DD Taxol once every 2 weeks for 4 cycles, guess it is easier on the system in the smaller doses..

My MO said the nausea SE should not get worse each cycle, but the fatigue most likely will. Fatigue I can handle...love my naps and then buzz around for a short bit, then hang, then repeat!

Mikesgirl17

C.W, I'm on a/c for a total of 4 rounds, then 12 rounds weekly of Taxol. 

Mikesgirl17

denise, I'm scared of Taxol.  Can you tell me the worst thing you experienced with it?  Or the best thing so I can won't let my worry carry me away.  I hate the unknown. thanks.

Mikesgirl17

Kimmie, it was actually round 3 for me today.  Hope for the best tomorrow.  This was by far my easiest.  Good luck.

Crazywabbit

mikesgirl. That is the same routine that a lot of use are getting. Good to hear round three went OK. 

Barbara

kjfromca

Hi ladies, my round 3 went fast with the port.  I had a different nurse this time.  Nice, but said some stupid stuff.... like telling me how toxic the Adriamycian  is while she is injecting it into my port.... story was about a nurse who somehow got a couple of drops of AC on her pant leg, didn't know it until her leg was burning.  Burnt through a couple of layers of skin.... We could start a post just on stupid stuff people say to cancer patients. Do feel free to share.

My brain is a little foggie, so if I am rambling sorry.   I am taking DJJ's advice and planning some camping trips for the summer.  Time for zofran pill.  Feeling ok so far.  I hope I have this nausea stuff figured out. 

Take care ladies, 

Kim

RHGSR

I felt better today. Nausea minimal. Some fatigue but was able to get out and walk a little outside. Does this mean it gets better from here or will I have good days and bad days until infusion #2?  

So I get 4 infusions of the AC 1 down, 3 to go). Then I start on either Taxol or Taxetere. Anyone else going this route ?

I love hearing how y'all are progressing through rounds 2 & 3. You are all getting closer to the end. I'm a little jealous to have only gotten round 1 under my belt. 

Looks like its a toss up on whether it not the treatments SEs get easier or worse as they progress. 

Anyone have DIEP first then chemo? I will also be getting a RADS after this as the did not think I had lymph node involvement  prior to my surgery. 

KLI

sounds like a lot of you are out tx and doing pretty well good to hear.  

I remember a few people mentioning thrush on the tongue. I have some blotchy white patches toward back of tongue no other symptoms is that thrush? If so what do you do?

jackieak

a week out from Second round for me today, I got up at 5am cause I felt like me again.  Mt round two hit on days 3-4 , allot of fatigue was out of breathe walking up 4 stairs.  Put a full day of work in finally, only wish it would last longer, get 7 good days now I hope!

My stubble is driving me nuts, I think I will buzz it all off at home.  My Regis gal opened up early for me Tuesday so I was the only one in there for the buzz, appreciated that from her.  Wigs are d Irving me batty, people say they look nice but I am having a hard time getting used to them.  I hope the brows and lashes stay cause I would definitely look like a cancer patient then!

Had implant fill #3 today, muscle relaxer certainly helped with that, and I'm icing now for swelling.  

I also have 4 rounds of AC and 12 weekly taxol, I heard the taxol can cause a big allergic reaction, usually on the 2nd round if it happens...that's as scary as the damn heart issues on AC.  I too wish the nurses would have more compassion than scarying us all more than we already are.  I just tell them mu Dr has informed me of all this, and I'm still choosing the path of having a cancer free future.

I hope everyone does well the next few days and have SE under control.  Anyone have carb cravings?  I been eating pizza for two days as well, I either crave smooth and creamy or big bread carbs... Mac and cheese sounds so good too.

kjfromca

Pizza was last week for me, tonight chicken pot pie.

I too am really nervous about Taxol, especially about douse dense.  Any advice would be great and I will research it, but I have one more AC treatment first.  

Kim

kjfromca

Jackieak - I forgot to mention in last post, I find my wig very uncomfortable.  I have been wearing a wig beanie, that helps, but the wig doesn't fit as well.  I just ordered some wig stuff from TLC to help with the fit, I will let you know if they actually work.  I did order a couple of halo wigs from this website to wear under hats.

Kim

jackieak

hi Kim

Have some halo hair, and some bangs ...I think I just need to quit fighting it and play with the hair.  I did order some from tlc as well as head covers.  I feel like Dolly Parton!   I wear a little beanie underneath, also found a Velcro headband for halos, I need to just get used to them and try to like the new me look.

MO told me ok to do fills today and when I see her next week she would explain each lab and what they mean, I know we had talked about the lymphocytes, so I will let you know.  Pot pie sounds yummy!

denise4603

Mikesgirl -RE: Taxol  Best thing...psoriasis on my elbows and knees has completely disappeared. Worst thing? Well, so far severe muscle and joint pain. It lasted 36 hours than got a lot better, then gone. But I have only done 4 infusions out of 12, so surprises are sure to come. Try not to fear, the infusions themselves were not bad at all.

Mikesgirl17

Thanks for the reply Denise.  Glad to hear about Taxol and psoriasis.  I too suffer from psoriasis and have found that it is even better while on the a/c regimen.  I have sever arthritis all through my body and have dealt with pain since my scoliosis surgery when I was 13.  I am 40 now.  I thought I only had arthritis in my lower back until this all happened and I needed a bone scan.  It's in my feet, hips,shoulder,neck and back.  The a/c has pretty much put all my arthritis to sleep until about 3 days before my next infusion.  Steroids are great for swollen joints.  I was worried about Taxol pain.  It sounds like it's going to happen, but as long as I know it won't last the whole time, I'll manage.  Are there any steroids while taking Taxol?  Have a great day ladies.  Going for my Neulasta shot today.  Feeling really good this morning.  Got a good nights sleep as well.  I think that makes a big difference.  It's 6 below zero here in Maine.  Thank God I have a warm hat

Carol99

good luck Mikes girl, I notice our diagnoses is similar.  I'm not getting taxol though, I'm going to ask my MO about it.  

Round 2 for me Monday, hopefully.  My scar is looking less pink so I think it will be a go. 

We are being bombarded with about 2 feet of snow right now and it is COLD!

Mikesgirl17

Neskir99 it's been coming down steady here and will continue through the day.  Whatever is hitting you will eventually find us. How's your hair holding on?

Carol99

it's shedding bad, I worked yesterday and I was paranoid about it.  Cutting it short helped but my scalp hurts still.  I keep thinking I should buzz it & be done.  I've never had short hair, I'm kind of digging it.

Mikesgirl17

If you are worrying about it shedding while you're out, cooking etc, try hair spraying it.  That is what I did before buzzing it.  No matter how ready you feel you are when you do it, you won't be.  But I found the stress of it shedding more that then the buzzing.  Good luck when you choose to do it.  I think the shedding could go on a long time.  I cut it short.  (Punn intended.) even when I took the guard off the clippers the second time to get it close I had stubble everywhere.  It was patchy so on New Years Eve, I put a new head on my razor and shaved it smooth.  I have a touch of o.c.d. and didn't like the patchiness of it.  I feel like a new woman now.  Be careful if any of you do this because you may get ingrown hair.  It's kind of liberating to be bald.  I have been a slave to hairspray since I was 15.  I have always had fine, thin, lifeless hair.  I hope when it grows back, I keep it short and fun.

Crazywabbit

day 2 round 2.  Slept about 2 hours at a time, prob from steroids, but I was able to fall back asleep easily. 

We only got about 4 inches of snow so my son will snowblow the driveway and I will go over for neulasta shot around noon.  Took zofran at bedtime and again at 7:30 this am. And enjoying my morning cup of coffee and a Greek yogurt. Last round I took zofran total 4 doses and found by Sat morning I did not need it. Hope that holds true this time. 

My sons GF had fun cutting my hair it is now about ear length. She cut about 3 inches off. 

Has anyone been to the Look Good Feel Good  sessions ?  I signed up to to one on Monday. I hear there are some really nice products like Lancôme, Clinique etc. the big companies donate all the stuff. I just want to learn how to do eyebrows I case mine go bye-bye. 

Barbara