Starting Chemo in December 2013

Carol99

I had my DH shave my head this morning, while I was getting coffee he noticed tons of hair on the back of my shirt!  I said "that's it".  It feels soooo much better, no attachment.  I do see bald spots.  I agree the shedding was worse.  

I'm usually have wicked static, fly away hair this time of year,mi won't miss that!

keepthefaith

I can't remember who asked about thrush...but, I have had it both tx's. First one also had a yeast infection which is caused by the same fungus, I guess. I tried to eat more yogurt the first time and also used monistat for yeast infection. It cleared up on its' own. This time, no yeast inf, but thrush. My MO gave me a RX which I am now using, bc the probiotics she recommended taking did not seem to help.

Maybe you can try probiotics first and call your MO for RX if that doesn't work. With my taste buds disappearing and dry mouth, thrush sure doesn't help with trying to eat and hydrate. My tongue is white and it may have a "cottage cheese"  look to it...I hope that helps!

I haven't been yet, but have heard all good things about the LGFB class. I think they give you a makeup kit along with scarves, tips, etc.

Have a great week-end ladies!

 

QuirkyGirl

I'm really grooving on being bald, too.  So incredibly liberating on so many fronts.

denise4603

Mike's girl - yes they give me Decadron as a pre-med before Taxol. Kept me awake until 4:15 AM, but that's ok with me, nowhere to go today in the snow.

Crazy wabbit - I signed up for January 13 LGFB. Let us know how yours goes on Monday.

RHGSR

keep the faith - where is the LGFB class in our area? When I looked, all I saw was one in marble falls. 

charusa

Had round 2 of AC yesterday and they ran the C slower this time b/c it gave me a funny sinus pressure in my head the first time. Not taking benadryl due to past bad experience. This time I got the blurry halo in my periphinal vision (spelling) then a lot of pressure/headache. They had me sit there for a while then I went home just wanting to take some tylenol and a nap. Last night I still had the headache and felt either my heart  was racing or beating harder and slight feeling of shortness of breath. I do have panic/anxiety disorder and get this way if I get anxious about this so took a xanax at 8p then I realized it felt like my B/p was elevated so took my BP med at 10 and by 11 was feeling somewhat better and atleast I felt relaxed enough to go to sleep. Feeling a little blah and heading out for my neuestra shot. First round was a lot better.

keepthefaith

rhgsr,  go to: www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org. It will ask you for you zip or city, state to find a location near you. I think there is one in S. Austin also. Let me know if you're going and maybe we can go at the same time. It seems each time they have it, I am in my nadir period or something else is going on.

You might also want to check out www.bcrc.org. It is the breast cancer resource center of CTX. If you need other resources, they can guide you with that also.

I can tell my counts are down today...pale gums and fatigue. Trying to load up on some iron rich foods.

Have a good week-end everyone!

 

RHGSR

keep the faith- I'll look it up. It would be nice to meet in person if we both got to go. Thank you. 

ufandi

does anyone else get massive headaches from wearing a wig?? I have both a wig and a halo and both give me excruciating headaches even though I have loosened them. =(

Crazywabbit

Charusa - hope you have a better night tonight

day 2 after second AC. Main problem is heartburn tonight. Never had that problem except in late pregnancy. Took a couple of Tums and one of my husband's Nexium.  Bit of a headache from the zofran but oneTylenol takes care of that. 

I hate the cytoxan feeling in my nose. To me to feels like you got a nose full of chlorinated pool water. 

Hair coming out 10-20 strands at a time now when I run my hands through it. Probable find a nest of it on my pillow tomorrow morning.  My son says to just shave it. Just not ready to do that now. 

Barbara

Mikesgirl17

NEskir...Good for you.  I knew you'd feel better.

Mikesgirl17

ufandi, I was trying to get used to my wig last night.  I haven't had the guts to wear it out yet, it's too much hair for me.  I had only worn it for about an hour and noticed a head ache in the base of my skull.  I am going to a  hairdresser on Monday to have a wig fitted and I'm going to ask her about loosening  this one.  I don't dare to do it myself.  I was looking up wig tutorials on youtube and a woman said she had to cut the band to loosen it up.  I don't want to ruin it.  Hope this helps.

count_it_all_joy

Ufandi - I had the same problem.  I found a wig I really liked and spent a little more for it… then realized I got headaches every time I wore it.  I share Mike'sgirl's concerns, but I decided to try the youtube tutorial and fix it myself.  And it worked!  It just involved 2 little snips, and sewing in a small added piece of elastic.  I had to let my head rest a couple days, as I'd worn the wig several times and endured the headache, and it was still sensitive.  But now I've been wearing the wig for another month or so, and it's very comfortable.  It just depends on how handy you're feeling!  Here's the video I followed, by the way.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rbi6UBl5k8

charusa - sorry you're having a rotten second round.  I'm just coming out of the effects of #2, and find it a little tough to not know what to expect each time.  But I keep thinking we're all developing our own little bag of tricks, and will only get better at anticipating side effects as they begin and knowing what worked last time.  I hope you're at a good place with this round soon. 

question - I'm getting tired of the 1/2 inch of hair that is left on my head and won't fall out, but I'm afraid to shave it all the way in case of ingrown hairs.  Those of you who've gone all the way and shaved - how's it working for you?? 

my happy note this week - I shaved my legs a week ago, and there is NOTHING growing back in!  My legs constantly feel like I just stepped out of the tub.  I KNEW there had to be a good side effect in all this!

Mary

jackieak

count it all, I too have about an inch left and am shedding, each morning in the shower allot comes out...then shedding in the hats and wigs, but I'm afraid of shaving it too.  Trying to just rub it out each morning.  I hate seeing all the gray hair now before it was hidden!  But have colored my hair for many years, since age 30...as long as it comes back one day I will deal with the gray.

I have used organic coconut oil for over a year now each night to wash my face and take off makeup, I love it. So I'm putting this on my head now as well at night.  Also use it as an all over body lotion, and rinse with it after I brush my teeth as well.

For constipation help a friend told me to try smooth move tea, made with senna, for I had 3 days of the big C last week even though I took softners and fiber, so I will give this a try.  Wishing everyone a good day with many more to follow!

denise4603

Mary - I just love how you found the silver lining!  I'm constantly looking for an upside to all this. Helps carry us through.

Denise

DJJ

I had round 3 of AC yesterday.  Today so far is good.  I'm heading to my first acupuncture to hopefully help with the nausea and the HORRIBLE chemo heartburn.

Count it all and Jackieak,  I had buzzed my hair using a number 2 and when it all fell out I had that annoying fuzz left all over that doesn't seem to want to go.  My friend took the clippers and gently shaved it off with no guard.  It didn't take it all the way down to the scalp, but almost all the way down.  So there is no fear of in grown hairs.  It looks much better.  It's been a week and I've had no problems with it. 

Leealice

My husband shaved my head this morning. I cried the whole time but now I'm relived it's gone. I wore a wig out yesterday and today and it itches alot in front. I take it off as soon as I get home and just put a hat on because a bald head is surprisely cold.

RHGSR and keep the faith. I'm going to LGFG 1/13 at TX Oncology in Austin. Let me know if either of you go the same day

TAC Chemo #2 on Monday. Start taking decadron tomorrow which I really like because it gives me such energy. I take the second dose around 4:00 so I can sleep. (and usually have to take a benedryl at night to help)

Last chemo starting on day 3 I felt like I had the flu then white blood cells dropped and I got ecoli. Also got thrush which turned into mouth sores. Without the ecoli this one should be better. heartburn was bad. I got rx for protonix that I take in the am and zantac at night.

I'm so glad to have had a good week before doing chemo again. I have a whole new appreciation for feeling good now

QuirkyGirl

Leealice - I know just what you mean about having a whole new appreciation for feeling good.  I hope to hang on to that in a big way once chemo and cancer subside.  Oh to feel well enough on any given day to walk without fatigue, be full of energy, and have full use of your body.  It's such a gift and as women in our society we so often tear down what our bodies can't do (or look like as they age) instead of celebrating them.  I want to make that a permanent post-cancer change in my life.  Including embracing wrinkles and white hair because we know not everyone gets to have them.

Carol99

my hair is gone too, feels better.  I tried to wear a halo to my sons wrestling meet.  It just felt weird.  I'm feeling more comfortable in scarves & hats. 

Leealice, it has been single digits here, damn cold especially with no hair!

RHGSR

leeAlice- I just got off the phone earlier today about the LGFB class. I was looking into the 13 th class but it's on a Monday and those don't work for us. They are looking to see if they have one coming up on a day other than a Monday. If you go, I'd love to hear how it goes.  The lady I talked to also mentioned they will set you up with a free wig consult too.  I bet we live pretty close with you in Dripping. I'm between San Marcos and Wimberley. 

Jackieak- what coconut oil do you use? We bought a big jar at SAMs - the organic cold pressed. But it's solid.  How do you use it? I bought it to use as a body lotion 

Got me some Briar Rabbit blackstrap molasses at HEB today. Hoping it will keep the constipation at bay. 

Felt good to get out today - went to ULTA and got a good lipstick and eyeliner, hobby lobby, and HEB. Man oh man did the fatigue get me. Can't believe how tired I got. And really sore. 

Chopped my hair last week to pixie cut in preparation. It was to the middle of my back prior to surgery. I went to shoulder link then pixie ... Attempting to prepare my littles and myself for when it falls out. 

Second AC is scheduled for Jan 20. 

RHGSR

are UTIs common with chemo? I don't normally get them but it kind of feels like one us starting up. I've been drinking plenty of fluids...

Mikesgirl17

I actually did shave it to smooth without any problems with in grown hairs.  No longer sensitive.  The funny thing is, yesterday, I noticed that I now have a stubble after 4 days.  Weird.  I thought it would just stay smooth.

beths1

Hello ladies,

Hope everyone is doing ok and enjoying the weekend.  Seems we are all busy this week with treatments.

My port remains very sore even though it's been  two weeks.  Swollen and painful.   Will have doctor check it on Tuesday when I go for round 2 of AC.   Feeling anxious, remembering what SE were like after round 1.  Trying to eat super healthy and drinking tons of fluids.  Really nervous....hoping for best.

Cut my hair super short, hurts like hell......oh and pubies are coming out fast and furious!  

Anyone taking decadron  Steroid before treatment for nausea and energy?  Heard it can help with nausea and energy but causes problems with sleep.  Not sure I want it if it keeps me up and makes for a lot of noise in my head.

Question.  Is Adivan addictive?  

Keepthefaith.....congratulations!   I have a grandson who is the light of my life! Enjoy every second with the baby!

Welcome amazon warrior....love having you join the group. 

I find you all to be so inspiring and informative.

Will be back in touch after round 2

Good thoughts for us all!

Beths1

jackieak

rhgsr, the coconut oil will be solid, I rub it in my hands and it melts then smooth it on.  You can put the container in warm water if that helps as well.  I think you will like its benefits.  I cook my fish and many other dishes in it as well.

Beths1, I take the decadron for two days after chemo and it is in my drip.  It says one in am and one in pm, but I have not been doing the pm, I did once and I halfed it.  Not sure about Ativan being addictive, I do take it day of chemo and a few days after, to help me sleep when not taking Ativan I have flexeril which helps with muscle pain that I get with my implant fills.  I used to take melatonin to help me sleep because I truly hate taking prescription drugs...now I have a pharmacy at home!

Round 3 coming up on the 9th, and I have felt so good for the last few days, so I will enjoy the few more I have coming...and hope and pray the fatigue doesn't hit me like it did last round.

Mikesgirl17

Beths1 try not to be too nervous.  I have found that each infusion has gotten a little easier each time.  Expect the worst, but hope for the best.  I hope your port feels better soon.  I think mine took at least 2 weeks to start to look and feel much better. I was feeling great after round 3 until yesterday.  I only got 4 hours of sleep and was just wired and cranky all day.  Tried to nap, but couldn't.  Had to take the last of the steroids again before getting any sleep.  I don't feel much better today.  My head is very heavy from taking extra meds yesterday to help with sleep.  My eyes have been bothering me terribly ever since my last infusion.  Sensitive and irritated.  Not to mention watery.  Anyone else having this problem? Happy Sunday ladies.

Carol99

second round for me tomorrow, was suppose to be last week but one of my incisions was starting to look infected.  It seems all clear now.  I hope it's easier than the first.  

My eyes are very water & itchy, also I feel like my vision is worse.

I'd like to know too if Ativan is addictive.  I find my mind races at night & I get worked up over everything so I end up popping one pretty much every night.  I hate not sleeping!

DJJ

Mikesgirl17,  My eyes started bothering me on week two of round two.  Same thing irritated and watery.  I found that eye drops work with the irritation but I keep a tissue to dab at the watery.  I had round 3 Friday and so far they haven't started bothering me again, yet!

Beths1,  I take a steroid twice a day for three days after.  I like it because it gives me energy.  On these nights I take Ambient time release capsules and I have no problem sleeping with the Ambient.  I got my port three weeks ago and it's just over the last few days that the sensitivity and bruising is gone.  I had round three on Friday and although having a port in your chest is a pain in the butt it really makes the infusion so much easier.  My first round was an IV in the arm and my arm is still sore. 

Day 2 after round three and feeling ok, just a little nausea and loss of appetite. 

count_it_all_joy

I had dry eyes bad enough after my first round that I had to see the eye dr.   The corner of my cornea had become all rough and irritated, and she put me on antibiotic drops to prevent infection.  Two things have worked since then - regular tear eye drops if they're just a little dry, and a thicker eye drop called Systane that will keep my eyes moist for several hours if they're drier than usual.  It's worth staying on top of, and you really don't have to put up with that discomfort.  My bathroom is looking more and more like a pharmacy, too!

Mikesgirl17

Thanks for the info.  I will go buy some eye drops soon:)

keepthefaith

Also taking decardron day before, day of and day after...hate that I can't sleep. I think I will have to call MO tomorrow to get something else. Ambien gets me to sleep, but I wake up 3-4 hrs later and can't go back to sleep...tired of being tired! I guess maybe she can give me the time release...? I hope it's not addictive, but I am guessing it probably is.  It's hard to function on a daily basis when you don't get the rest you need at night. She also suggested Melatonin.
beths, neskir, good luck on your treatments this week. I have found this round to be easier than the first, so far...other than insomnia! I hope yours is, too!

those of you who have taken melatonin, any SE's from that? I have heard of people having crazy dreams...

((HUGS))