Starting Chemo in April 2014

MakeLemonade

you guys are really keeping active! I need that motivation :-)

Neulasta shot done and got my head shaved. What a relief!!  Pics are of me newly bald and wearing my wig. 

SharonDe

Look at you, lemonade!!!  All cute and bald - amazing how pretty everyone's eyes are when there is no hair.  Your wig looks great.

Footballnut

Linda too funny!

Well I have a SE!  My plumbing is working too well - not diarrhea but bad cramping followed by having to go the washroom. I drank two ts which helped. Called my nurse and she said to keep drinking fluids. I'm swimming in fluids!!  Lol. I suspected that chemo would target areas where I have had issued in the past. My stomach has definately had it's moments over the years. Nothing serious but stress and colds tend to get my stomach. Oh well!  Back to drinking fluids. Then I'll pee instead!

I've become a plumbing factory!  Lol

linda505

so cute lemonade!! Love your wig - looks very natural!!   And you are right - everyones eyes look so beautiful with no hair!!   Think I am gonna have my hubby do mine this weekend.  I will see how it is falling by then

jhodro

MameMe: I too am on weekly Taxol. I lost my hair during the week that I'm off chemo and have Herceptin only, which for me is week 4. I also was told it was 'unlikely' I'd lose my hair. And it started slow, by Thursday of that week (last week) I couldn't stand it any more so I had it buzzed. I'm ok with it now. Plus, I just got a wig today, so between that and hats, I'll be ok. I'm actually better now that it's over with. I think many had that experience. The anxiety of will it/won't it fall out was rough. Heck, the entire experience is, right?!! I had my 5th treatment yesterday and feel mainly very tired today. If this is the worst of it, I'll count my lucky stars and look forward to July 29, my final chemo treatment (hopefully).

FootballNut: Thanks for the advice on exercise. I was waiting to talk to a PT person, since I too have shoulder problems on my lymph node removal side, and that typically causes me numbness when I'm not regularly exercising. Unfortunately, there is some waiting list, that I've been on for a few weeks. What's up with that?! 

jhodro

Looking great MakeLemonade!!

And I can't find it again - but someone asked about Herceptin. I usually have it with Taxol, but the one week I had it alone, I felt really good. Not tired, like with the Taxol and no Steroids with it, so sleep wasn't all messed up. Let me know if you have other questions about it. That was one week, but if my hair hadn't fallen out that week, I think I would have been 95% of my original pre-all this craziness self.

Kite

Hi All! 

I'm so bad at remembering everything everyone says. Do you all take notes? 8)

I'm so glad you ladies are exercising and feeling pretty good. I'm on an upswing and loving it! My PET scan (post radiation) shows significant tumor reduction in spine and no lesions on my pelvis anymore!! I finally feel like I'm gonna be able to do this again. After the hellish first round I wasn't feeling to good about anything. Today I feel confident and strong. 

Here's to one more day to beating this crap!!

Footballnut

has anyone experienced an itchy scalp?  Is this a possible SE?  It's driving me nuts!  I washed my hair today but it feels coarse and greasy even though it's bike and clean. I also feel a few bumps on my scalp that I don't recall. Can't wait to shave it. I hope that I rock bald like my fave female rocker Joan Jett!!

SharonDe

Good news on your scans, Kite!

footballnut - my scalp has been itching like crazy!  It's been driving me nuts - I am on Day 14.  I haven't shaved the head yet - maybe tomorrow.  I did cut a bunch of chunks off with scissors.  I read that a paste made with water and baking soda left on for 5 minutes at least can help the itching.  I may have to try that.

Edited to add - my hair feels like straw, plus I've got a few extra bumps.  The dermatologist said these were normal and would go away in a few days ... Argghhh

Footballnut

sharonDe tx for sharing. Sorry that u have this itching too. Mine just started this evg and it's day 8 for me. Argh is right!  Straw is a better description for my hair too. More like straw than greasy!!

SharonDe

For what it's worth - I had the itchy scalp at the end of week one,  then It was okay for almost a week before starting up again.  

MommyQ

OK, I'm tired of drinking water. I drank too much last night and it actually made me throw up. Fortunately, I only threw up water and some peanuts I had just eaten.

I just noticed that my heart rate is running around 120 beats/minute. Anyone else have a fast heartbeat from chemo? I put a call into my MO to ask but haven't heard back yet.

How are y'all exercising so much? I can barely manage just the half mile walk to take my daughter to school!

Brigadoonbenson: I don't take anything for pain since my MO said no Tylenol or Advil. My pain's not too bad. Just the muscle pains from the TEs. I just try to lie down & rest a bit when they bother me a lot.

LoveBeingNana: I too have had a lingering headache ever since my infusion. I'm on day 8 today and it's not too bad today, but it keeps coming back every morning! If you figure out a way to get rid of them, please let me know. And good luck to you tomorrow for your next infusion.

Spunky825: I think I need to dial down my fills like you. My first fill was 60cc and I didn't even feel it at all. The 100cc 2nd fill followed immediately by chemo did me in.  I also understand your tiredness making it hard to exercise. 

Chknfeet: I'm curious to hear what your PS says about filling early. Maybe it's just something my PS believes in...who knows. I'd like to slow mine down since I have months to fill them!

ColdInCanada: Thanks for the tip on Claritin for headaches. I'll give that a try. Sorry, I don't have the eye twitching so I don't know how to help.

Mikishelly: Sorry to hear about the bone pain. But no WBC? That's scary! Hey, I see you're also in St. Louis and also on the TC chemo, like me. I'm doing my chemo at St. Luke's. How about you?

jhodro: I too have shoulder range of motion problems on the side where they took the lymph nodes. I scheduled an appointment with a PT hoping to see her soon but her first appointment was 3 weeks out! I guess there's a shortage of PTs.

Have a good evening, everyone!

jhodro

I also have a super itchy scalp and full of bumps - it started for me the 2nd week or so. The wig lady recommended this face serum from "Lindi Skin Care" (online), once I buzzed the hair. I've been using the serum for two days and it has made a huge difference. No more itching like crazy. It was about $22 for a small amount, but it seems like it would last for a long time.

linda505

MommyQ - you can drink too much water and get something called water toxicity - not sure if it can mess with your heart rate but it can drop your blood pressure so I assume it can - you need to mix in some other liquids in your diet - they count toward hydrating.  Add in some gatorade or unsweetned fruit juice or some flavored vitamin waters or broth.  

mmtagirl

Lemonade, you look great bald and the wig looks so natural.  I would never know its a wig.  I got wig #2 brand spanking new and free through the wig bank sponsored via look good/feel better program. We are eligible for 2.  Wish I would have learned this before paying for one and now fighting with insurance to get it covered.  I encourage everyone to check it out.  The makeup alone is awesome!

The itching and straw scalp is normal.  I broke down on day 14 and did the shave.  It helped a lot.  The front half of my head is now almost smooth but have some patches hanging in through the back but still shedding.  

Went to a memorial service yesterday for a young teacher who ran the math department at the high school who became a BC angel on Friday.  Very sad but a wonderful tribute to the many people this woman touched.  One poignant story was told from a bald male teacher where she asked how he kept his head so smooth and shiny.  His response- Dr Oz was featuring St Ives head cream as the best product.  He has been using it since.  I was two tired last night to check it out but wanted to share it with you.

Round 2 was Tuesday.  Trying to stay ahead of the nauseau.  Doing ok so far.  More foggy than after round 1. Tired but not sleeping well.  Trying to remember how many days before my taste buds totally left after round 1 so I can eat something tasty before they go, if I can get myself to feel like eating.  Hoping for a full day of work today

Have a wonderful day, ladies.

Hugs,

Ann

merg

Hey Ya'll, Everyone is beautiful. It's been 9 days since round 1. I am finally feeling a bit normal again. My hair feels "funny". I don't know how else to describe it. That's probably coming next. I did sign up for the feel good program. That's in a few days.At least the bone pain is gone for now.Have an Easy Day today!

EverForward

Even though I knew this was coming and I've been reading about all of your experiences, it was still a traumatic shock to see the large clump of hair circling the drain in the shower last night. And the hair is falling like crazy today (I'm half afraid of going completely bald by lunchtime). I thought I would have a little more time between the itchy scalp (which really kicked in yesterday) and the full-on hair shedding. Oh well.

Sending good thoughts to everyone heading in to round 2!

LovebeingNana

Lemonade you look beautiful! 

Kite I am so glad you got some good news!

MommyQ I will let you  know what my MO says about the headaches.

I am off to #2!! Have a beautiful day everyone!

Rose42

Hi Sue

My case appears to be very similar to yours. ILC 2 cm ER PR +, HER - , Oncotype score 20. RB removed. 1 / 10 nodes +.

Chemo started last week. Nausea, constipation and loose motions. I have been advised 4 cycles followed by 12 weekly cycles of Chemo.

Can you share what I can expect and how to prepare myself. What should be my diet and how do I minimize the stress.

Thanks

Your sister

Rose

SharonDe

Glad you are feeling better, merg.

Everforward - sounds like we are at the same place.  I really need to get those clippers going ...

Nana - good luck today ( and same to everyone else who is getting an infusion).  Hope the headache does not return.

Rose - welcome to the April thread.  Sorry you have to join this club, but you will find lots of support.  One thing that has helped a lot of us with regards to stress, is to try and get some exercise each day if possible.  Even if it's a walk around the house.  

MJHJAN1014

Mameme,

Bummer on the hair loss. You might want to get a short haircut at this point, worked best for me. the metallic taste will improve at about 8-12 days out. The GI sensation could be heartburn from the chemo/steroids. try PepcidAC before eating. Each MO has different recommendations. May the force be with you.

ColdInCanada

Good Morning April Beauties!

Lemonade: You are GORGEOUS bald! Rock on Sister!

MommyQ: I have to comment on the whole exercise thing. It's intimidating, isn't it, to read about those women who train for marathons during chemo? And re-reading my comments, I think I've left the wrong impression. Let me explain. When I said "exercise" BEFORE cancer/chemo, I meant hard core, working out until I was covered in sweat and barely breathing and all-out exhausted and muscles aching the next day because I was a work-out MANIAC. NOW, when I say "exercise" I mean a Workout For People in Their 90s. Oh, I TRIED to do it all like I did BEFORE. But my heart rate went WAY up, I was short of breath, I got super dizzy, and my muscles were screaming at me to STOP, OH PLEASE STOP! And then I realized that my body simply isn't capable of healing from chemo AND, say, training for a marathon. In conclusion, you do what you can. And if all you can do is a 10 minute stroll around the block, where you wave at the snails as they pass you by, the so be it.

Good luck today Nana, and all those heading to the next round! Our thoughts are with you. *hugs*

I have ONE more week of good, and then next Friday is Round 3, and I DON'T WANNA. I have perfected the mental temper tantrum, complete with kicking, pounding fists, screaming, and even throwing and smashing stuff. It's pretty amazing inside my head, actually. 

MameMe

MJH and fellow travelers, Thanks for the tips. I had session #5 yesterday and spoke with my onc. who gave me an rx for Pepsid, in case it was cheaper for me than otc. Last night I took it before bed, went to bed, had an hour of that bad belly burning thing, and fell asleep. This morning I felt fine. It worked, I have been good all day. 

ALSO, I called a salon owner in the town where the onc. office is, and she is fitting me in at 2:00 to cut hair and play with wigs! She sounded SO nice, and I am thrilled to have an ally in this pitiful hair loss situation. She came highly recommended by thoncology dept., and is the woman who runs the Look Good program, which is scheduled for next Tuesday. She sounds like a down to earth person, and kind.

I took another fast 2.5 mile walk this morning, and I feel renewed vitality but also tired, if you know what I mean. I may hit the wall tomorrow, but maybe not. I have been much more capable in my last few days than I was at all last month. Feels hopeful. Big hugs to all, Mame

Swissmiss

It's been a little while since I've posted.  I've had a lot go on, including my birthday

Our family tradition is to go out to dinner on birthdays, and this year, even with my bald head, I still wanted to go.  I put the Marilyn wig on, and enjoyed a nice Mexican dinner to celebrate by 45th birthday.  It was my first public appearance in the wig, and I was so happy that we were seated in a corner booth, so I didn't have to itch and adjust it with the entire restaurant looking on.  I think my poor 11 year old son is the only person more self-conscious about my wig than I am.  He says when he grows up he's going to invent a chemotherapy drug that helps people but lets them keep their hair.  I actually tear up when I think about him saying that.  Makes me realize that I am not the only one in my household really experiencing this cancer journey.  

My family spoiled me with more gifts than I've received since my sweet 16...I was so overwhelmed I cried in the middle of it all.  My favorite: the Pandora bracelet my kids picked out with a lone heart charm.  It's ready for more

I went to a Look Good, Feel Better class on Monday.  I was so excited to go, but at the risk of sounding like Debby Downer, I was a little disappointed.  It was free, it was hosted by volunteers,  so I don't want to complain...but it was a long two hours for me.  There were only two in attendance, including myself.  The make-up gal was a Mary Kay consultant, and showed us how to put on basic makeup.  I am not usually a make-up girl, but I liked the idea of trying out a new ways to apply and maybe some new colors.  I read beforehand that the makeup kits are tailored to your coloring and usually contain high-end products.  Both my kit and the other gals' kit had the exact products in it, even though she was medium complected and I am light.  The products were mostly Cover Girl and Avon, with one Estee Lauder foundation that was really way too dark for either one of us.  The mascara was dried up, so we couldn't really use it, and the blush and eye shadows were strange shades that even the consultant wouldn't advice wearing.  The other gal in attendance was nearing the end of radiation, wasn't doing chemo, so she wasn't going to lose her hair.  I already have a wig.  But, the wig salon gal insisted on doing her entire presentation with me as the model.  She had me try on six different hats and five wigs for...no one.  I hate to sound negative.  I just wish my class was like the ones I've heard of with fantastic makeup bags and lots of other attendees to bond with.  

I had Round 3 on Tuesday.  I was so nervous because my infusion nurse stuck the needle into my chest rather than my port the last time, and I was afraid of it happening again since she said my port was tilted.  Thankfully, my MO assured me that my port was not tilted, and he said he would not allow that nurse to ever touch me again.  I went to the infusion room feeling empowered by his attitude, it made me feel good that he had my back.  Turns out he requested the infusion supervising nurse access my port, and it went very well.  Nothing more than a little sting from the lidocaine.  This infusion felt different though...I was so affected by the odor than I left the hospital feeling very queasy.

Neulasta shot yesterday, and thank goodness my husband was able to leave work early to drive me.  I am have been more nauseous this third round than I was the first two rounds.  Yuck.  I'm feeling so thankful to be home and keeping chicken soup on the stove all day.  

And I'm thankful for all you ladies...so glad I'm not alone here.  My best to you all!

Kite

Swissmis- Happy Birthday!! Kids always have a way of making your heart melt. My hair started falling out and since this is the 2nd round for me my 6yr old is pretty upset about me being bald again. I wish he didn't have a sick mom.

Look good Feel Better for me was a BUST. My mascara was dried up too! I got repremended infront of everyone for double dipping my brush. They were trying to keep me from creating bacteria but my goodness they were rude! They both hollered at me and one of them grabbed the mascara from my hand and took it away. It was crazy. I felt so embarrassed! 

LovebeingNana

Hi everyone!  I had my second round of TC yesterday and it went well. My Mo feels like I am tolerating treatment well so that made me happy. I told him about my headaches and so He did change one of my premeds for nausea from Aloxi to another one…..I think it began with a K?? Ahhh chemo brain. Anyway I have no headache as of yet compare to last time when I had a constant severe one from the time I left the fusion center until 4 days later. He also gave me Vicodin for "just in case I do get a headache" and also for bone pain. I am off to get my neulasta shot today. 

I hope everyone is doing well with minimal SE's!!!!

Timbuktu

glad it went well love.  I'm starting to get nervous about my second TC infusion even though it's not for another 10days!

When I was on CMF, I would start to feel a headache during the infusion.  I would ask them to slow it up and then it would go away.  I mentioned this before my first infusion of TC and was told that it's so slow, if they slowed it up anymore I'd be there all day.  But I didn't get a headache at all anyway.

chknfeet

Is anyone using Latisse to prevent eyelashes and eyebrows from falling out, rather than after to increase growth?  I've heard that eyebrows usually stay intact until after chemo is over.  

clarrn

Had an hour yesterday morning where I was SE free other than fatigue on day 2 post AC!!!!  woohoo!  Hoping for a repeat later today when the family is here!  So grateful for that hour and at the same time jealous of all the people walking briskly down the block...lol  One day!!  For all those that can walk Yippee!  I am going to try to make it to the cancer yoga class here today.  They said half the people can't do more than lay on their mats and breath so it might be for me!

Jaimieh

chknfeet I lost my eyebrows on TC last time about 6 weeks after chemo was over. They were back within about two weeks. 

Clarm- that's awesome!  I have had those moments and a couple days on AC. Too bad day 11 hasn't been one of them for me. . 

Love beingnana- I hope you stay SE free this time. 

Kite- glad your PET went well and I am so sorry that they fussed at you at LGFG class . 

Swissmiss- glad you had a great birthday. Sorry that round three is hitting you so hard. Do you have 6 rounds ??

MameMe- glad that the salon owner fit you in. I hope you had a positive experience with the wig fitting. 

So I felt great yesterday and went on a field trip with my 8 year old to the national zoo in DC. Today I had to go back down to DC for a photography job (I am a photographer) and I am paying for it today. I have never been so grateful to get home this AM. 

I can only blame myself on some things like the heartburn that I have because I forgot to take my medication. . However I hope the headache is from my shingles that I have developed.  .  Monday is round 2 and I am not ready for it. I don't want to feel wobbly and unwell again but I just keep reminding myself that I will be half way thru AC after Monday. 

Hope everyone has a great SE free weekend. .