Starting Chemo December 2015

Lemint

Merry Christmas to you all, have a wonderful day!

Twirp26

Merry Christmas to my December Chemo Sisters!! Have happy, merry joyful, no SE's days!!!

Sammy3

Same to you twirp! Merry Christmas everyone! 2016 is right around the corner and it WILL be our years!

KrisCrzala

Hope everyone is having a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy all this friends and family and give extra hugs.

MySpaulding - got my labs back yesterday and they went from .6 to 2.9. Happy day!! I was so excited I felt I got an early Christmas present. I also got my period about 1 week ago. Talk about a cruel joke. I too thought I wouldn't get it while on chemo but my body said I don't care. Maybe next month. Two weeks done and 22 to go. We can do this!!

Woke up this morning and the top of my head hurt as though I had a really tight pony tail. Yep. My hair is coming out. Damn! So I cried and regrouped. Want to shave it off but deciding when to do it. I have Christmas parties the next two days. How fast does it fall out? Right now I pull on it and about 20 pieces come out at a time. Any input would be helpful. Thanks.

December chemo group is so great and positive. Keep posting. It's such an inspiration.

mvspaulding

Kris, everything about our experience is similar. This period is awful and I'm kind of getting worried about the amount of bleeding.

My hair is starting to shed as well. Started yesterday when a bunch came out with my shower. Each time I comb it or put my hand through it a bunch of long strands come out. I have family Christmas today and again on Sunday. Wondering if I will make it to then without bald spots. My head also ached while sleeping last night.

Merry Christmas to you all and I'm sure I can speak for everyone that we won't be sad to see 2015 go! 2016 has to be a better year

chinacat

kriscrzala and mvspaulding - if you're not sure about your hair, you have a couple days. You'll know when it's time to shave, there will be no question.

I also got my period...on the same day as my first treatment! I am expecting to get it again on treatment #3 day. If I don't, then I'll have reason to celebrate! I've been juicing and adding lots of leafy greens for iron.

Stay strong

KrisCrzala

Thanks Chinacat. All the info and advice is appreciated. I'm hoping my hair will last until Sunday night.

Opt4Life

Merry Christmas, hope everyone is having a blessed day. Praying for health, happiness, renewed spirit, and better days ahead for all of us.

Twirp26

yes, seems like I am just a few days ahead on the hair. It will start coming out more and more. Mine seemed to start with just a few then I noticed a bunch more after shower. I agree with ChinaCat, you will know!!! I think you will still be good by Sunday. I still had hair when I shaved but it was more upsetting to keep it and see it fall. It got annoying and messy. I hope your experience will be like mine, while sad to lose it, the experience was empowering!!! Take the power back!! (After x-mas parties;) lol!! And remember, it's temporary!! We will have our hair back and it will be brand new a fabulous!!! 😘 You are allstrangers that don't feel like strangers but sisters!!

KrisCrzala

Thanks so much Twirp for the input. It's so nice to get information from ladies going through this with me. My family really doesn't understand but they try to be helpful. I definitely want to shave it so I can have some power. Sometimes I feel the cancer is taking so much so I want to be in control. Thanks again for the tips!!

Smurfette26

Sure my eyebrows are thickening and darkening between treatments. Hope that means my hair is growing too but hard to tell.

mvspaulding

yes thanks Twirp, I can still get away with it for now but it's definitely coming out now. Have any of you read about the possibility of permanent hair loss with the taxotere drug? I know it's a low percentage but with the kind of luck I've had this year it's kind of scary to think about. My MO never mentioned it to me

Smurfette26

Some posters here have claimed it's between 6 & 10 % of people who don't have complete hair re-growth after Taxotere. Seems like quite a high number to me. Believe my Oncologist said "some". No figure. I would have done the treatment anyway though the thought of wearing head coverings forever is not pleasant.

Twirp26

whaaaaaat??? NOOOOOO!!! That can not happen to any of us!! That would be the cherry on top of a really bad cake. Smurfett26, I also would still have treatment but what a scary thought.

Sammy3

I know we are all pretty new into our journeys, but can you tell me how you get the bad thoughts out of your head. 99% of the time I am pretty positive. My lumpectomy was successful, I'm getting the treatment I need, I *should* be ok for many years to come. But then of course I wonder how on earth will I not worry about this?! Just wondered how you guys do it.

jg12705

Twirp26 OMG you made me LOL!! The lady parts!!! So so true!!!!

I must say, I had a rough day yesterday emotionally. First Christmas without my mom and dad and I couldn't pull myself out of the Debbie Downer mode! I went for the short hair cut last week and it lasted 2 days before I had my daughter buzz it off. It was literally falling out in clumps. Maybe that is part of my emotional melt down. Its reality, people will know and feel sorry for me. I don't want that!!

I had round 2 on Wednesday and slept through most of it. They sent me home with the Nuelasta shot to give myself on Thursday. Not bad. I was soooo wiped out yesterday and not sure if was Round 2 or the Nuelasta? Anyone have problems with it other than the bone pain? Feeling ok this morning, just really tired.

I picked up a bottle of mouth rinse from the treatment center. Its called the Stanford Solution. For any of you with mouth sores, you may want to ask if its available. Its supposed to heal the sores and even into the throat if you have them there as well. My nurse mentioned it to me I am so blessed to have her!! She is amazing!! She even sent me a text message yesterday. I believe it takes a special kind of person to do what they do!!

I am trying to stay positive today!! Thanks for letting me vent!!! 2016 is a new year and a new start!!! We all need it and we will get through this!!!

Jodi

daisymay55

Hi All:

My first chemo treatment is January 5th, a combination of adriamycin and cytoxan, and then taxol and herceptin. My biopsy was done at the beginning of September and based on the results, I had a lumpectomy on October 16th. Since then, I was informed the results of my biopsy were misread which changed my treatment from probably just radiation to a full on chemo regiment. I am feeling very anxious about the chemo because I really don't know what to expect and wondering if all of the delay has hurt my chances of recovery. I am trying to stay hopeful and positive. I too want to keep working and keep life as normal as possible. I guess we can just do one day at time. Good luck and positive thoughts to everyone on this blog feeling the same anxiety.

Sammy3

add me to the "hair is falling out like crazy" club. ugh. Day 18 today - was planning on getting it cut short tomorrow - hope I can last.

mvspaulding

feel rotten today. I think I'm getting anemic from all the bleeding from my period. It's still not slowing down. I'm pissed because this was supposed to be my week to feel good before my next treatment. Taking it easy today and I have two more family Christmas to do tomorrow. Not sure about my hair. Shedding every time I touch it. I don't know if I have the nerve to just go ahead and shave it off though.

KrisCrzala

Jodi - everybody has a bad day no matter how positive they are. I'm usually so positive and strong, but yesterday morning I couldn't stop crying cuz my hair was coming out. Now I'm fine with it. And you're right once our hair is gone it sets in that it's real and everyone will know that we have cancer. It will get better hopefully. We are all in the same boat. Scared and unsure. I hope you're having a better day. My sister got my a pillow with a saying on it: Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain.

Daisymay - welcome to our group. Nothing can prepare you for your first chemo treatment. I read so much information and posts and was scared as hell, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I get fatigued every day around 12:20 pm but I am working through chemo right now. Who knows in the future. Every chemo treatment and person is different. Just remember that odds are you won't get everyone of the side effects. So sorry about the misdiagnosis also. I didn't go in right away after finding my tumor because I didn't think it was cancer since I had some benign tumors. I waited two months. After my mastectomy, I had no cancer in my nodes and they got a clear margin. So more than likely the delay won't hurt you. I will remember you in my prayers.

Sammy I feel your pain My hair is falling out even more today. It needs to last through tomorrow afternoon. I have a nice wig but it will be so real once I shave it off and I just don't want to think about it at a Christmas party.

Stay positive and try to have a super day. Celebrating Christmas with my kids and grandsons tonight. Can't wait!!

memba

I'm next for hair buzzing today! And not too concerned on how it looks on me or others pity faces. Other medical conditions can produce baldness. Others shave in support.

About Tuesday's chemo #4: All went well till the last 20 minutes left of infusion. I was starting to feel a lump in my throat and mild difficulty swallowing. My nurse was with me and kept asking me about the swallowing symptom. She decided to end my infusion and gave an iv flush. She had also pressed the emergency button and several nurses came to my room. That procedure was difficult for me. They quickly flushed with various fluids which gave me a combo of disgust, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking and intense emotional reaction (sobbing cry). They kept me at the center for additional time till I felt better. The nurse did mentioned that the premed steroid dose was reduced. She said they'll put the higher amount for next time. I'm hoping that helps because if the chemo drug has to be changed for something completely different, it's going to make me nervous again.

One good outcome from that infusion was that the chest/port pain went away. I'm thinking, besides using the port side arm too soon, the cause for the pain was dehydration. Another good thing is my period is very light. Just spotting amounts. Yay to beginning chemopause!

marion55

i started chemo in nov yes it seems to take so long to get started but on dec 30th i will have my 3rd chemo which is my half waY POINT

chinacat

I shaved my head today. It actually feels good. I don't even want to wear my wig.

KHinMD

I've been lurking for the past 2 months and feel it's time to come out of the shadows. Reading the posts on here has helped me get an idea of what's ahead in the coming months. Now I will bring my own experiences to the table. It sucks to be here, but comforting to know I'm not alone.

I was diagnosed Nov 9, exactly 2 weeks before my birthday. I have 3 multifocal tumors, all under 1 cm. During the biopsy, I also had a lymph node tested. It was negative, but my BS was concerned that possible cancerous tissue wasn't collected. I won't know which stage I am until I have surgery following chemo treatment, but my MO and BS are expecting stage 2 level.

My MO gave me the okay to freeze my eggs before beginning treatment, as the process only pushed back the start date by one week. I'm triple positive, so I was concerned about upping my estrogen and progesterone levels, giving the tumors more fuel. I am single with no kids, still with thoughts of starting a family, so I decided to go through with it. In the midst of giving myself injections 3 times a day and frequent visits to the fertility clinic for ultrasounds and bloodwork, I turned 35, had my port installed, and went out of town for Thanksgiving. My egg retrieval was Dec 1.

I completed round 1 of neoadjuvant TCHP on Dec 7. I was somewhat prepared based on what I've read on these boards. I took Dexamethasone two times a day for 3 days beginning the day before treatment. I went in for a Neulasta shot the day after treatment, and took a Claritin for 5 days beginning the day of treatment. At first, I didn't sleep well at night and felt like I do when I have a cold, minus the sneezing and coughing. I experienced fatigue, bone pain, and body aches, but all that seemed to subside after the first week.

Other SEs were pretty tolerable and manageable with the meds, prescription and OTC. I took Zofran or Ativan for nausea, but didn't need to that often. The only reason for the loss of appetite was taste changes, which seemed the worst Days 5 through 8. The big D was managed with Immodium. I tried to take Tums for acid indigestion. It didn't seem as effective the first 2 weeks so I will try Zantac or Prilosec next time. I have Biotene mouthwash and toothpaste to try next time for the mouth sores. I got my period almost 2 weeks after my egg retrieval, as expected. I'm guessing that will be the last one for a while.

I was mostly back to normal around Day 10. On Day 14, I noticed I couldn't brush my hair without clumps coming out. That day, I had an appointment to look at wigs. My insurance covered 90% with a prescription. I had my dad shave my head on Christmas Eve. I was surprised that I wasn't sad to see my hair go. I'm ready to be done with this so it can grow back though.

Prior to my diagnosis, I was going to the gym 3 times a week. I still go, though not as often and for not as intense a workout. I was able to work after taking the first week off. I will continue to take advantage of my company's flexible work schedule and the ability to work from home. Round 2 will be on Monday, then 4 more after that. I won't be as anxious this time since I know what to expect. And there's the added bonus of the infusions not lasting as long.

Hang in there everyone. It's good to see so many people here who are positive about beating this. I'm sure we all have our down days, but just remember the light at the end of the tunnel. Sorry for the length of this post. Future ones shouldn't be this long.

Twirp26

welcome KhinMD! I look forward to hearing more from you and wish you luck on your journey!!! Glad you were able to get your eggs frozen before the process. I also found out about my BC right around my birthday. I'm telling everyone I totally get a DO OVER next year😉 ChinaCat, is it me or is a wig equivalent to a bra???? So restrictive!! My head feels so much better bald. Can't get over how quick my showers go too;) no wash rinse, condition, rinse, shave this, shave that;) I get ready quicker then my husband now;) that might change when I have to apply my eyebrows! Praying that won't happen soon😝

chinacat

haha yes, the wig is like a bra. But I'll wear a bra;) if I knew that being bald wouldn't make me feel bad, I wouldn't have spent so much $ on the wig. I'm going to get it cut/styled this week so maybe I'll feel different after. I still have all of my hair everywhere else except my lady parts. I'm hoping (as I'm sure we all are) to keep my brows. Everything else can go; no love lost.

KHinMD-welcome. I was also diagnosed two weeks before my birthday. Our gift is that we found it! Good that you could retrieve your eggs! Good for you for continuing to go to the gym. I don't have the energy to spare. I'm not even working.

Smurfette26

I had a really down day yesterday as well. I normally don't go there but hubby and I both had a cry. Think the fact that we cancelled our family Xmas plans had a lot to do with it. We had planned to spend it with my daughter and her family but the drive is 4+ hours each and I felt I would be more comfortable at home a few days post infusion. Hubby took me for a drive to our Son's today and I had about 4 hours with 2 of my gorgeous grandkids. Nothing like them to lift my spirits. Hugs all, Donna.

Welcome to the newbies. So very sorry you had to join us.

PMR53

Hey All- I am watching this thread to help all of you with any questions or tips. I had 4 rounds of TCHP last January, February and March. I did not do 6. My body had had enough. It worked. After Lumpectomy and MX ( I had after chemo ) there was no invasive cancer left. I just finished a year of Herceptin too. I did not work. I went on FMLA and then decided to not go back. I was a fulltime RN. I saved my eyelashes and eyebrows with Brian Joseph Lash Conditioner. Order online. I saved my finger and toe nails by icing them with frozen bags of peas, applied during the taxotere portion at each chemo. I lost my hair but received a beautiful human hair wig from LollysLocks. Apply online.  I suffered from Nausea the most. Take all the meds they give you and eat what you can. Stay hydrated and walk as much as possible. Listen to your body and ask questions!! I also took Glutamine 3x a day to assist with neuropathy symptoms. If you are able, see a Naturpath Doctor to assist with Diet, Anxiety and Vitamins. I continue to see mine regularly. Hugs to you all. You can and will get through this. PM me for any questions. I am here for all of you. 

Also take the Claritin before and after Neulasta shots. It helps so much with bone pain   

PMR53

brithael

First Chemo is tomorrow. Packing my bag today. What's the best/most essential thing you took to chemo sessions? Go!

Skittlegirl

Pillow, blanket, DVDs, and a friend to bring lunch because my center only carries some snacks. Once the Benadryl hits I am out of commission for anything that involves concentrating, so movies help pass the time.