Starting Chemo December 2015

brithael

Day 9 Chemo - Last couple of days have just been awful with abdominal cramping. Finally emailed my nurse about taking Imodium. I wasn't sure I should take it since I wasn't really having diarrhea, just softish stool that really hurt. She said it was the Taxotere, and I should take the Imodium. Wow, what a difference. Slept all night without having to go to the bathroom. Passed stool without pain. I feel like I've returned from the dead!

memba

Hey Ladies! Going for chemo #6 today. I'm still doing pretty well with minor se's.

For the ladies still having itchiness with wigs are you using wig caps? I'm successfully using a pantyhose for a wig cap and someone else recommended a bamboo wig cap. There are more recommendations if you search on YouTube, Google/bing or use the search function of breastcancer.org. I still have stubble on my scalp too.

Skittlegirl

I get heartburn from the steroids. I take Pepcid and it helps.

KatG68

I get the heartburn too! I'll have to try Pepcid - just been taking Tums, but it's too much for that. The wig is going better today, but not much. I figure if my hubby can wear a ball cap ALL the time, I can get used to this darn wig sooner or later. This one is the one I got from our local cancer center. There wasn't much to choose from there and NOTHING even close in color. The one I got is much, much lighter than my normal hair color. I shock myself every time I go by the mirror! My co-workers have all be nice and say it looks good. I had to take the scissors to it this morning and give it bangs - couldn't take it in my eyes any more. It does look better than my self-given real hair hair cut! Just taking it one day at a time....2 treatments down, 14 to go!

Opt4Life

Hello ladies, Taxol #6 is tomorrow and so far so good....except for the 12 lb weight gain and the bloated face. My co-worker told me today that I look younger with weight in my face--I think she was just being kind.

A little good news yesterday, my BS did an ultrasound and I have some definite shrinkage in my tumor and in the node that tested positive. He reminded me that he didn't expect a PCR because of my low KI-67 and very high ER/PR values but that he wouldn't be surprised to see 50% shrinkage when it was all said and done. I was also given an order to see a cardiologist before I start AC. I will get an initial echo and then be monitored during the 8 weeks of AC. Anyone have any heart problems during or after AC?

Hope everyone is managing any SEs and that chemo is kickin cancer's butt.

PezGal

While I should be working, I've been messing around and doing the math and figured out that today I am 1/4 done with chemo. There seems to be an abundance of "sugar causes cancer" news articles around right now (or maybe I'm just now noticing them) but I say screw it! I'm getting a banana split tonight to celebrate!

That being said... anyone have issues with their eyes? Mine are super dry and sensitive. I feel sinus pressure too. When I walk down the hallway the "wind" stings my eyes. Of course, my first thought goes to brain cancer but I'm pretty sure that an over reaction and its some sort of side effect. Like a distant memory... what did I do before I had cancer to focus on? Probably say "Oh. I have a head ache." Pop some tylenol and move on. Now I google for hours.... Again. I should get back to work. Or at least focus on that banana split.

Angtee15

Pezgal you are hilarious. Yep my eyes are definitely drier. I pretty much gave up on my contacts. I am 1/4 done too! And I also should be working:)

I'm noticing the sugar articles. I was handed a pamphlet at diagnosis but feel pretty much left on my own retooling my diet. I asked my PCP for a referral to see a nutritionist. Maybe that will help.

But first the Bananna split!!

Simplicity

Hello ladies. Hope all are doing well.

Pezgal, I had problems with my eyes. Dry or running, one or the other through AC. Eased up during taxol if I remember right

Hang in there ladies. It does end

mvspaulding

Pezgal, you made me laugh. What no sugar now? I gave up the Splenda in my coffee because everyone said the artificial sweeteners were bad for me. So I went to plain old sugar, I can't drink it with nothing to sweeten it! And I am not giving up coffee.

I went to my GYN doctor today for my annual exam. Just happened to fall now, not like I haven't seen enough doctors these days. Anyway, she is hopeful that my period won't show up this month. And she is doing a pelvic ultrasound next week because of slight increase in risk of uterine cancer due to breast cancer dx. I wore my wig to appointment and stopped at my Dads office afterwards to talk with my Dad and sister. They both liked my wig, or they said so. I am just going to have to get used to it. I did wear it without the wig cap today and it didn't really bother my head as much because my stubble is almost gone. Plus it wasn't as tight without the wig cap. So I guess I will brave it to work tomorrow and see if I can last a whole day with it.

Anonymous

Sweet ladies, I feel as if I have woken from a bad dream. I much appreciate those of you who commented and asked about me. First Chemo (perjeta, Herceptin, carboplatin, Taxotere) was Dec. 22. Dec.24 admitted to hospital. Home from hospital on Dec. 28. Extremely ill, nsusea, diarrhea, severe stomach and intestinal pain, just truly on the verge of feeling like I was not going to make it. I lost 16 pounds. Have just been able to even care to eat since Sunday. Taste buds are dead. I had an extremely bad reaction, obviously, to the chemo. The scary thing is, what now? I absolutely cannot, will not put another drop in my body. My ONC is sending me to a palliative care physician to make sure we get my side effects under control, then to revamp my treatment plan. Because I am triple positive (her2+) neoadjuvant chemo was the state of the art treatment. My next choices will be not be ideal but I cannot live with such misery, such low quality of life. Please feel fortunate if you are able to tolerate your chemo, even with some SEs. I'm told my reaction is rare. Hopefully a DMX and rads will let me play with my precious granddaughter a few more years. That's not too much to ask . You know, I truly didn't mean for this post to sound like a pity party. Truth is I feel like freakin dancing today! I ate...food! I walked my yard even at 35 degrees out! And my amazing hubby said I smiled! Seems I had just enough Taxotere 2 weeks ago to steal my hair. The clumps coming out were depressing so I shaved it to an inch. All by myself! Hubby thinks it's very "Jamie Lee Curtis" lol! Bless all you precious women! Stay strong and awesome! Heidy. PS...so will my stubble continue to fall out, to the skin?

Twirp26

Birdie56, thanks for the update. I have been thinking about you daily. I am happy to hear that you are smiling and feel more at peace with your treatment decisions. Sounds like your doc is listening and sending you to someone that can help you. While your treatment might not be the first and most popular option I pray that it will do the trick to give you many many years with your grand daughter!!! Keep us posted on how you are doing. Best wishes!!

memba

Taxel #6 done and 6 more to go! Then 4 AC.

Opt4: I have a slim long face and I'd benefit from rounding it up a little. So your friends could be sincere in their opinions. Maybe it'll happen to me in a few more weeks.

Pez: Yup, your comment is funny 😁! I'm not giving up on sugar. I met a 15 year cancer survivor that drank alcoholic beverages several times (by mistake 😉), and of the chemo only did 6. It's difficult to tell what will prevent recurrence for you or others. I'll let the meds and care team do their job. I'll modify some things to assist, but not drastically. As soon as I'm done here, I'm drinking some vanilla spice eggnog before it spoils. Regarding eyes, I have preexisting conditions and with eye drops, consistent hygiene and antibiotic ointment, the dryness and sores have improved.

birdie: Thinking of you. Please continue being proactive. Get others to assist if possible. Your rare se's could give your care team a stimulating challenge and break the monotony of standard protocol. Keep us posted. There's lots of smart and resourceful people here too.

And for those that have heard a quote "black don't crack" I say neither does light brown or mixed. Take a look below:

Karenbo

Birdie56, it's great to hear from you. Sorry you've had such a rough time of it. Glad to hear you are feeling better and smiling! I pray it continues and that your care team comes up with a good, successful and very well tolerated treatment plan for you!

Memba & Birdie - you both look beautiful in your pictures. And Memba, you are beautiful and strong in each of the different looks. I really like your scarf. And way to rock the bald!

Shopgal2

Popping in from sept to say try a lint roller to remove the stray hair stubble, use a satin pillowcase to sleep to help soothe your sore head stubble, saline nose spray for dry noses, and tear eye drops for dry eyes. Pepcid and tums help with heartburn.

KHinMD

I've been MIA from posting here, but have been reading the posts regularly.

I go back to work tomorrow for the first time since Dec 23. My plan has been to take off the week of the infusion and work the following two weeks. My company shuts down between Christmas and New Years, so I was lucky to already be off the week of my second infusion (Dec 28). Now I have been using up remaining vacation days from 2015. Tomorrow will be the first time wearing the wig at work. I'm worried when the "chemo brain" will kick in, if it hasn't already. I'm going to start having a notepad handy to write down things so I don't forgot.

The SEs seemed milder after round 2. I don't know if it was the lower doses of Herceptin and Perjeta, or if they didn't seem as bad because I knew what to expect. I didn't really experience the bone pain from the Neulasta shot like the first time. The only real thing bothering me right now is taste. There isn't medication to help with that, and it's been affecting the way I eat for the worse. The first week following my first treatment, I tried to eat a banana and an apple. They tasted so awful I felt like I was eating rotten fruit. I'm at that point in my second round and just haven't had much of an appetite. The second week after my first infusion, my taste started to get better and I was able to eat like what I'm used to. I'm hoping that happens this time.

Hang in there fellow chemo warriors.

mvspaulding

KHinMd,

It seems that there were a lot of "first day back to work wig wearers" in this group. I am at work in my wig for the first time as I type and I can't wait to get in my car and put my soft hat on. This is definitely going to take some getting used to. I didn't sleep well last night and I have a bad headache, can't tell if it is from my treatment, lack of sleep, or this wig on my head. Oh well.

I also have some bad taste issues this week. My tongue feels like it is carpeted. I am hoping I don't get any mouth sores, I didn't the first time, just nose sores.

Keep up the fight!

Lou53

I went back to work Monday for the first time without hair. I wore a hat and clip in bangs. Second day I just wore a scarf. My head gets so sore there is no way I can tolerate the wig. I feel so silly in it.

Round 2 for me tomorrow even though my white blood count is really low. I had such a hard time with being sick from the last I am dreading this bad!

KHinMD

mvspaulding - Good luck with the rest of the workday. I know tomorrow I will be taking off the wig as soon as I get in the car too. I had insomnia Sunday and Monday night. Last night I seemed to sleep better...on my couch. I'm worried about having trouble sleeping tonight due to being anxious about tomorrow. My nurse mentioned taking Benadryl when I have trouble sleeping and that it might work better than a sleeping pill in this situation. Here's hoping you are in the clear for mouth sores. I didn't experience them much after the first 2 rounds, just a slight sore throat.

Lou53 - Good luck tomorrow. Are you taking a Neulasta shot for your white blood count? I know not everyone gets the shot, and if so not after every treatment. I too also dreaded round 2. I prepared for it by telling myself that I made it through the first round and now I'm in charge because I know what to expect. I also feel silly in a wig, like it's gone lopsided and I don't know.

I debated just wearing a scarf or hat to work, but then the secret would be out. I've only told people in my group. I'm okay with more people knowing after I've completed treatment. Then I don't have to respond to questions about how I'm doing, or have people treat me like a fragile bird with a broken wing. People will eventually catch on that it's a wig, but I don't feel it will stand out as much. It's around the length of my pre-chemo hair.

My appetite is back so I feel like eating dinner. I skipped it yesterday. I couldn't decide if it was worth it since I probably would just manage a couple of bites and give up. It's sad to think that I would give up when eating. Well, sometimes I have to give up at a restaurant because I'm full, but I take it home to eat later.

Lou53

I will be getting the Neulasta shot. A bit nervous about that to. I am pretty sensitive to medicine and I already had every se known to man plus some they hadn't seen before!

chinacat

mvspaulding- I got a script for nystatin for thrush. I swish and spit and it works fine. I used it prethrush after round 2 and it really helped. Just had round 3 today so I'll use it again before the day I get thrush and continue until it's better (2-4 days)They tell you to swallow it but I don't want to. I works fine with the swish and spit.

As far wig wearing goes, I'm not wearing mine. I have it and got it styled like my hair yesterday but I hate the way it feels. I'm confident enough to go bald and the reaction has been great so far. Another women wearing a wig at the chemo center today looked at me like she was happy to see my head. Maybe I'm giving her the courage she needs. I don't know, maybe not. There was just something about the smile she got when she saw my bald head. All the pics I see on this thread are of beautiful women...with or without hair. Do what makes you feel the best😘 Keep shining beautiful ladies✨

chinacat

KHinMD ask for Ativan. That helps you sleep and calms you (for the anxiety) and it is also an anti-nausea med. I take it the night before treatment if I have anxiety and then an hour before treatment to relax me. It works great but you need a driver!

Lou53 the Neulasta shot wasn't bad for me. Everyone is different but it might not be bad. I had sternum and lower spine pain 7 days after injection that lasted one day. Ibuprofen helped. For The second injection I took Claritin as per everyone's advice here. I took it two days before through the day I expected the bone pain and I had no pain. Good luck

Karenbo

A common thread seems to be about wigs, so I'll add in my 2 cents!

I made it through two half days with the wig plus hat. I think it looks pretty good, but I ended up with a headache both days after just a few hours. I actually switched out my wig for my soft hat just before leaving work and got a couple of positive comments about it. Thinking I may just wear a soft hat or head covering to work next time. The headaches are a drain. I figure people will surely get used to it and quit asking questions eventually; or at least I hope!

Lou53

Thanks, China! I will try the Claritin.

Opt4Life

Hello ladies, Hope you are having a great day.

Birdie, sorry to hear about your chemo SEs and troubles, but glad you had a good day today and managed a walk and a smile.

Memba, we are on the same treatment schedule. I had Taxol #6 today as well and will have 6 more and 4 AC. Question for you--were you told why you are doing Taxol first? I ask because my BC ladies who accompany me to chemo both had AC first then Taxol. Love all your looks and can attest to 'Black not cracking' as my 69 yr old Mom and I get mistaken for sisters all the time. And I'm not giving up sugar either, moderating it sure but not giving up things I enjoy that have not been definitively proven to have caused my cancer.

KHinMD, sorry to hear about your eating and wig issues. Have you tried a wig liner? They are cheap and puts a barrier between your scalp and wig. I still have hair/cut into short afro but I also moisturize my hair and scalp with a dime size bit of moisturizer and have no issues with an itchy wig. It also helps that it is cold here and my wig is more like a hat with hair. Glad to hear you have your appetite back. I wish mine would go away at least for a couple days. My weight is creeping up

Karenbo, your headache may be your wig but it may just be the infusions or any of the pre chemo medications. I have had a low grade headache every other day after not having had a headache in many, many years. But it sounds like you have other head options and my hat with bangs is indeed my favorite.

Ladies, you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers and this nightmare would be so much worse without your posts, info, advice, and well wishes.

Nebraska917

Has anyone's doctors mentioned avoiding soy for hormone positive breast cancer? The nurse practioner mentioned it to me this last time... and everything in our house contains soy products. Just wondered what others with ER and PR positive have been told and if you have changed any eating habits!

chinacat

Nebraska I have never been advised to avoid soy. But, I chose to remove soy products long ago as it mimics estrogen. In addition, soy is almost always GMO which to me is unacceptable. If you find that you can't avoid soy and its products, be sure it is organic, then it won't be GM. I keep soy to a minimum which means I read labels.

memba

Karenbo - Thank you for the compliment, how sweet!

Opt4Life - Hey! Thank you too for the compliment and you too are beautiful in your photo. I may have been told why Taxol first, but honestly I don't remember. I was overwhelmed with so much information at the time and I went to all those appointments alone. I just did a quick search right here on breastcancer.org and what came up is that Taxol first is the protocol used at MD Anderson, which is the treatment center I'm using. Doing Taxol first has better results for lowering recurrence.

Here is a link about improving comfort of wig itchiness. Besides the products recommended, refreshing the scalp with a baby or moist wipe could help too.

And some more youtube links with wig advice and care. The lady on this youtube channel has bubbly personality and very entertaining to watch too.

MM2221

so very sorry to hear of your challenges Birdie with your first treatment. Hoping the palliative care doctors can put together a good plan for you. What side of Atlanta are you in? I am in the north side.

Yes that lovely Taxotore did notwaste any time taking away the hair. I am caught everyday between being creative or just being damn comfortable. Comfortable wins tonight!

MM2221

hi ladies, had treatment # 2 yesterday and the Neulasta injection this morning, so far it seems to be falling in line with the 1/0st treatment. No wild swings one watt or another. I expect the stiffness to set up in the morning but taking charting and Alieve and I suspect they help home.

Basically lost my hair on day 13 have some stubble but gave not broulght out the clippers ...yet.

Had very thick hair can't I again it coming back to that degree but oh well. Been wearing cheap wigs, scarfs and some hats. Really love the Tischel that I found on Amazon, soft, pre tied, you can wear with wig or not, lots of colors too. They are generally my "go to" each day.

Here's a few photos of my journey to date.- first chemo day

MM2221