Anyone Starting Chemo in June 2016

ClarkBlue

Dolly - okay so the supergeek side of me read a super interesting article published this year about what we were discussing... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC467069...!po=38.6612

Start reading at page 161 for the highlights and to skip past the technical stuff unless you like that stuff like me..

Bottom line is that yes, for certain cancers and chemo regiments antioxidants DO help kill cancer cells and increase the effectiveness of the drugs... it seems that the effectiveness/harmfulness (is that even a word??) of antioxidants boils down to the type of cancer you have, your specific chemo cocktail, timing of when you take the supplements,lifestyle, diet and even whether you've done chemo before. So in a sense I guess we are all right in a way... We are asking our doctors and since we are all different, with different cancer genetic makeup and on different chemo regiments, it makes sense that we are all getting such different answers and recommendations!! Hahahaha... Aren't we all so smart!!!!!

labscientistmom

Clark blue: Zofran is wonderful, take it instead. My MO says it works on seratonin levels in the brain, convinces your brain that your gut is happy. The only problem is it adds a little to constipation, but you can keep a handle on that with fresh fruit, dried fruit and fiber.

Moondust

Oh my, this may be a long post! So many comments to reply to! My next TC infusion is tomorrow. Good thing I have some extra steroid energy.

Here are my supplements: fish oil, Vit D, Vit K2, probiotics, B vit complex (B-50), calcium citrate, glucosamine sulfate/chondroitin, curcumin extract, and SAM-e (to help my knee). Everything has been okayed by my doctors, both the RO and the MO. The studies on turmeric (curcumin) are mixed. Some studies say it actually helps the chemo do its job better. I eat a ton of green veggies, beans, and sometimes 13 g ground flaxseed in my yogurt or smoothie. Also 20 g unsweetened cocoa powder a day. I am staying away from the megadoses of antioxidants that are found in pills, which means no extra C, E, or A over what I get from food. I am willing to eat lean red meat sometimes and I think chemo is the time! We need to rebuild our blood. I normally get over 100 grams of protein a day, some from beans, some from eggs/dairy and some from meat. L-glutamine should be delivered tomorrow and I'll take it too.

KNardo, I'm so sorry you are not having an easy time of this. The nosebleed sounds awful. Hopefully the nurses can give you some solutions to help you feel better. It sure sounds like you had a reaction to something. Don't count work out until you've had another day under your belt, but I sure would try for a limited work schedule. Is there any work that you can take home? I went back to work on Day 6 but only worked 4 hours and I was not having the SEs that you have been burdened with.

Coffee-lover I will PM you about the online trainer I use. He is very upbeat and will create workouts for you that fits your exact needs, at a very reasonable price, and no long-term commitment. He might even give you a cancer discount. He's a good listener and cute, too

Dolly, I'm so happy you will be going to the upscale hairdresser. I'm curious to find out what they want to do. I will send you a PM too, about my Scottish connections even though I have never traveled there. Bagpipes are one of the few things that get me misty-eyed. I once tossed a scaled-down caber at a Scottish Games, but that was 25 years ago when I was 50 or 60 pounds heavier

Llroseworld, my hair experience was similar to yours. Mine lasted 17 days, then all of a sudden it started coming out in handfuls. I could not stop myself from pulling it out and combing it out, then piling it up like you did! Did you have a lot of bare scalp when you left work? I look mangy.

Keely, I bet you are right that it is that anti-nausea pill making you so spaced out. I got some in my drip, but I think it was the Zofran instead of the compazine, and after that I did not take any of the pills. I was given both types of pills if I need them. This time I may take one zofran when my stomach is aching, and I'll let you know if I have SEs.

I think all of our doctors are giving us different recommendations because they don't really know either. As with so much of this stuff, sometimes the patients spend a lot more time reading the latest studies than the doctors do. I really feel I am more up-to-date on breast cancer than my MO is. And forget nutrition! She had never heard of Vitamin K2.

Krekre and others trying to decide about FB - I did not post my condition on FB. I have too many "sort of" friends on there, and I don't want to be bothered with polite replies to everyone's inquiries. I have told my closest friends and most of my family. Sort of wish I had not told my elderly aunt. She said "Don't have chemo! My friend died from chemo!" Etc.

NattyB, it does suck that we have cancer and it does mean that our lives our changed forever. You are lucky to be 100% ER and PR. That means the anti-estrogen drugs will work very well for you. But of course, they can have SEs too. So far my only one (on arimidex) is a painful tenosynovitis in my right wrist called deQuervains syndrome. The steroids I took today are helping make it feel better.

DistrictGirl, Jack Daniels is beautiful!

SouthernYankee, love your photos. You look like you are doing okay! Keep hanging in there!

I know I've left a lot of people out, but I'm slowing down, so I'll post what I have and catch the rest of the folks later. If I haven't mentioned you yet, hello, hang in there, and I am thinking of you! Our best days are yet ahead.

Acie

LJ - I really like idea of a list things you've never said before. I have not lost my hair yet but I know I will plan to have a wig ready. A friend and I would like to attend on outdoor event in Texas on Labor Day weekend. It will be very hot. I said, "If it gets too hot I'll just take my hair off." She had a good laugh.

labscientistmom

Dolly: The organic and healthy food is great!!! its the supplements and antioxidant teas you want to avoid!!

Make sure you eat plenty of protein too, our bodies need it on chemo to rebuild the good cells that fall from chemo friendly fire. Hope you are feeling better today, and tomorrow.

Clarkblue; i didn't read Anti-Cancer, just read a LOT cause reading is my thing,and I am a scientist geek too. Information is power and all that, more to be afraid of the unknown. I do eat blueberries, because they stop triple negative cancer cells from growing. Seeing as ya'll arn't triple negative like me, probably should stop. I will check out the Omega 3/6/9 again, a dietician I was seeing before cancer recommended it for peri-menopausal hormone balancing. It helped my mental state and mood tremendously. My son takes them daily too as they help with brain function in kids with possible OCD or ADD tendencies. He had some trouble in 4th grade, grew out of a bunch of it, still has distracted issues (he's very 12) and some OCD stuff, but the brain support is still good for him.

bbbb: sorry about the chemo brain. that happens later in the week for me! Yay, Huzzah! I finished round #6 of weekly taxol! Halfway done, then on to A/C (boo) blessings back to you in CA

Cody311: welcome, sorry you have to be here too, but glad you sharing the journey with us. I get flushed and red too from the steroids. the infusion nurse told me about it. It even happens in the breast where I had surgery, on the inside curve, opposite the incision, I have a bunch of lymphedema collected and it gets all red and more swollen with steroids, so special. I went 5 weeks into weely taxol before my hair started falling out. Just got tired of it all over me constantly, so last Sat I cut it 1 inch all over. Now wearing bandanas and scarves and rocking the biker chick look. Its faster to get ready and sort of cooler. Heartbreaking, but necessary. As I think Dolly pointed out, we can regrow hair, but not a liver or brain or other organs. Go, fight, win, kill all the remaining cancer cells! Yay us!

Everyone: had a heart palpatation, I am not breathing well reaction about 5 min into my #6 taxol today. booo, hisss. AFter stopping it and checking everything, they just ran it reallllllly s l o w. I felt weird, but did ok then. My husband was with me and had to go pickup our son from camp since we went much longer than planned. SO it was good, cause I got to hang around and read after my infusion finished. It made me feel better to be there just in case I wasn't ok. Nothing happend, and my ride picked me up after about an hour. My oncologist said about the nosebleeds, which I get every day inside my sinus especially on one side, to take Aquafor on a qtip and smutch it up in my nose. Its unpleasant, but it does help. My platelet count is good, but the dryness from chemo has ulcerated my septum and sinus so it bleeds. Lovely chemo, the gift that keeps on giving. I am looking forward to less sore fingers this week since I have my l-glutamine to take. YAY! I think thats all from me tonight, blessings from CA, praying for ya'll. Love, A

labscientistmom

Acie: loved your pictures! great job, huzzah, you are making progress!

Moondust

Acie, that's a great one to add to the list! I said a similar thing today when I showed up for my workout wearing my wig for the first time. I told my trainer "Hold on, I have to ditch this hair before we start the workout."

krekre

HOLY COW! I read most of these posts through email so don't always get to see the photos. Today, I opened up the forum in my browser and Llroseworld's hair photo took up my whole screen! Made me laugh. THANK YOU! I needed that.

Llroseworld

I am rocking the GI Jane look!

ClarkBlue

WOOOO HOOOOO!!!! You go girl... Own it!!

revnet

Developed a low grade fever tonight. Called the on call oncology and they sent me to the E.R. So I spent the evening in the E.R. until my fever broke. They ran all the tests and my blood counts look good and they didn't find any infections. So this was either an early episode of more to come, or just a fluke. I hope. I was feeling pretty invincible until tonight. But all is well. I am ready to get some sleep.

Anonymous

At hairdresser!!!!

Heathet

today is my first follow up appointment after my infusion. They'll check all my levels and my weight which I'm curious to see is I have lost or gained! I need a reliable scale! The senokot is working wonderfully! Here's my new hairstyle! My head feels much cooler!

pepper43

Morning ladies!

My big plan for today was to have a Kidney CT scan done (something showed up on PET scan during my diagnosis phase that they wanted to check out; not urgent enough to put off first chemo treatment but they def wanted a look)...but found out late yesterday that due to my contrast dye allergy they have to do it at a different hospital so it's been pushed off to July 12 (wamp wamp). This will be the week after my second AC infusion. And I have to load up on prednisone before appointment. I told my oncologist's assistant I'm willing to take up a cancellation slot so hoping something will open up before then. Wanted to get that one off the to do list, you know?

Now that I've gotten my whining out of the way, let's get to the good stuff...

DistrictGirl- thanks for supp list! So very helpful. I've printed it out and will bring for discussion during next onco visit.

NattyB- these bills are CRAZY, aren't they? Checked my online portal this morning and a $22K bill showed up for day of my Neulasta shot. What in heaven's name is that about?? On bright side, the hospital we're working with offers interest free payment plans so we've been able to breathe a little more, panic a little less. The financial coordinator at the hospital told us that manufacturer of Neulasta does do copay grants so she's spplying for that. I just need to remember to give her a heads up when we get an actual bill.

Coffee lover- you should be able to find an online trainer googling (or just using Moondust's connection). I do more fitness coaching (mindset) not training...though I did have an ACE personal trainer certification I loved the coaching so much, I never started training. Thanks to this whole cancer, I've been putting it on hold. I did get a lovely message from a woman in Pakistan yesterday and gave her some tips/advice.

Knardo- so sorry you're dealing with so much! HUGE virtual hugs your way from NC. Take time off if you need it. Read and/or watch stuff that makes you belly laugh and talk to your MO on how to best minimize your SEs. I have to keep reminding myself when dealing with SE that it's just signs that nasty chemo is working.

SthrnYankee- I had to have them slow down on the C too due to sinus pressure! Love your highlights BTW and I think you're one brave mama to entertain the notion of your 10 year olds shaving your hair.

Heathet- I feel you on fatigue and lack of focus. I was making couscous for our oldest daughter the other day and couldn't remember the word for parsley. Got mad first, then laughed about it later. Chemo brain #thestruggleisreal. And I loooove your new do! You are rocking it!

labscientist- PM me your height, weight and age and I'll figure something out so long as you PINKY PROMISE not to get all obsessive on calories etc. We have enough stress to deal with fighting cancer. I don't want any freaking out about going over a set number, capeche? ;-)

Dolly- how did your wash and cut go? And as the wife of a scientist, I feel you! There is so much conflicting information when it comes to cancer- what causes it can also be shown as possible cures and vice versa. Key is looking into well-done research...and recognizing too that we're all built differently. Our bodies are some complex sh$t (hope you don't mind salty language). I spent a good chunk of my life at well over 200 pounds and now I'm wondering if that's what prompted cancer to turn on me...or wearing wired bras..or liking vodka..or not eating enough vegetables. Don't go down the rabbit hole...or if you do don't put a whole lot of stock in one study. Keep that beautiful mind open.

Nextyear- Claritin DEFINITELY helps with bone pain. I neglected to take it yesterday and regretted it late morning. Holy bone aches batman! Didn't make that mistake today and took one before starting up this thread (gotta say I like this morning tradition- catching up with you ladies).

llroseworld- You have the most beautiful smile!!!!! And boy do you make bald look gorgeous!

Acie- are you on a 20 week AC + T regimen? Me too! Stay on top of your meds for nausea- trust me on this - you'll regret it if you don't. Hoping you didn't come down with an extreme case of nausea like I did after my first AC infusion.

Keely- I've been sticking with Compazine after the whole first day swapping between the 2 due to extreme nausea. The Zofran gave me a whopping headache. I've been taking a Compazine about once each day at first sign of queasiness. Thanks so much for the supp list and that link to a great info packed article!

Cody- Welcome! As far as hair loss, I went ahead and shaved before starting chemo. I haven't lost any yet but expecting to come this next round (july 6).

bbbb- Yep, those SEs are a big fat bird for all of us to flip.

Moondust- thanks for supp list- keep us posted on how your TC infusion went.

Revnet- Yuck about the ER!!! Hoping it was just a fluke for you, that you'll be on the mend and that you're getting some much needed rest right now.

Have a wonderful Wednesday ladies.

Sopravvissuta818

Hi LJ, I'm starting on 7/5/16 with 8 cycles of Adriamycin/Cytoxin + Taxol/H/P or Taxotere/Carboplatin/H/P. I hope you're doing well thus far, and I'm happy you've asked for friends of support during this time as I logged on to do the same!

I've had a recent recurrence after 20 months in 5 of 21 lymph nodes, that were just removed on 5/23. I didn't receive chemo with my first diagnosis therefore my anxiety is up but I'm ready to begin and feeling positive as I come closer to the 5th.

DistrictGirl

everyone is looking amazing as usual! And welcome to our new members!!

Quick question ladies - for about how many days post-infusion do you find you need the anti nausea meds? Been battling some nausea (nothing too terrible but enough...) since yesterday morning and wondering how long I should keep the meds going? Trying to keep a steady flow of Zofran, compazine when that isn't doing the trick, and Ativan when nothing is working and I'm ok with a very long nap!

Revnet - sorry to hear of the ER scare but glad that it seems it's resolved? How are you feeling now?

Knardo - how are you hanging in there? Thinking of you!

Side note - my physical therapist (who I was already seeing due to a car accident injury) was kind enough to give me a little list of exercises during chemo that I can do on days where I don't feel like getting out of bed, days where I'm ok sitting in the couch, and days where I'm good to be up and moving around. Wants me to do 15-30 mins at least 5 days a week. Happy to share some quick notes from her if it's helpful

CarolAG

Revnet:
Same thing happened to me five days after my first TC chemo. I spiked a fever for a few hours and onc sent me to ER. Of course it always happens at night! They checked my blood counts which were all good. Also took a chest X-ray and urine specimen to check for pneumonia and UTI. Everything checked out good and by the time I left ER 4 hrs later my temp was back down to normal. They really couldn't determine what caused the fever. Let's hope it doesn't happen again

I had my head buzzed at the wig shop last Thursday and now I have several pimples on my scalp. And it is kind of itchy. I really want to get used to my wig but not sure if I need to wait for these crazy pimples to heal up first. Anyone had any issues like that?

Anonymous

Ok so here are before and after pics. Love love my hairdresser. Charlie Miller is THE bomb for hairdressing. I feel human today. I got a long consultation, then had hair washed ( I was worried as not washed hair for a few days and wondered how much would come out, then got a special and complimentary treatment of some sort that was massaged into scalp and hair for 20 mins, then finally haircut and I just feel like I am normal again. I am seeing my hairdresser every 4 weeks for treatments and then going to go for pixie cut after treatment is done. Good news is that coz I have grey hair coming in, it means hair is still growing?? I would have thought chemo would have finished all growth, but I guess not.

Before and After

NattyB

Just a quick drive by since I actually have to do some actual work at work today:) then off to chemo...blech

Hope everyone that was feeling crappy yesterday is better this am

CarolAG - I've read on these boards that is could be folliculitis. If I recall, you can try OTC cortisone cream or see your onc or PCP for a script - I think Clindamycin - don't quote me there but it's fairly common.

Check back in later - hugs to all and welcome to the new friends:)

Coffee-lover

districtgirl - yes! Please share the exercises. Also, I found I have to take anti nausea all the time. For whatever reason, my stomach has decided to rebel against this whole thing. I've lost 30 lbs, always have nausea and want nothing to do with food. I guess I'm not the right person to give anti nausea advice.

Today's my second infusion. I had a bit of a meltdown last night when I saw my hair falling out. I knew logically that it would happen but wasn't prepared for the real thing. Now I get to have a stuffy head all day.

Dolly - love your cut.

SthrnYankee

Hey ya'll! Just wanted to update on my 1st infusion yesterday...I applied Emla Cream to my medicine port about 40 mins before they accessed it...felt a slight pinch when the nurse acccessed, but not bad. Then I was given Aloxi through my port (I think this is a steroid...my mind is a little foggy this morning) & if my mind is correct they gave something else..maybe an anti nausea through the port, I was also given a tri- pack of Emend (anti nausea) I take 1 Emend right after they access the port & then one each day for the next 2 days, Decadron (steroid) that I take 1 a day for 3 days then 1/2 for 2 days then stop, I was also given Zofran and Phenergan for nausea to take as needed.

My infusion went well...the A part of my AC was nothing..took about 10 minutes..the C part had my eyes burning & my sinus burning....as long as I kept chewing ice or kept my mouth busy with drinking I was fine, this part took about 1 1/2 hours. No too bad. I had some yogurt & crackers, lots of water & a small Apple juice they gave me there. Towards the end my head felt foggy...the nurse was going over some things like what to watch for & when to call or when to go to the ER & I could hear her I just couldn't really respond...my mouth & brain weren't connecting...so I just did a lot of head shaking! Ha! Once we got home it got better...I was starving but afraid to eat, I ate a banana & tried to rest. Notice...tried....every 20 minutes I would have hot or cold flashes...like it was 900° or it was -2° ! Wow was that crazy. Then my hips starting acting up...I wouldn't say pain...more like uncomfortable pressure, an annoying feeling that kept me from getting comfy & sleeping, then I started to finally doze & words were not coming out of my mouth right at all! My legs felt funny & I was trying to tell my hubby & 16 year old son what it felt like. I know in my head what I said...but what they heard was something different which sent me into uncontrollable laughter so bad that I had tears running down my face. This same thing happened a few more times last night. I had some slight nausea but nothing major & I found that eating small amounts of what I craved when I was hungry, less talking, less moving, etc helped....just be very still. I also had a horrendous headache ( felt like sinus) light hurt it bad so I kept all lights off, I even limited my phone & TV, they were just too bright. I finally fell asleep late..after midnight & slept all night...woke feeling almost normal. This is only day 2....I pray I make it through day 3 the same..

I will reply to everyone in my next post! Happy Wednesday!

DistrictGirl

Here are the tips from my PT - excuse my scattered notes and my Ativan-influenced brain!

Cardio: 15 minutes minimum if I'm up to it:

• Walking with my dog or up and down the stairs
• Bike
• Restorator (https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=restorator+bike&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=73355140137&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14545165323673000839&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_15sr76go2j_e)

Additional strength-training/core exercise ideas...

For days I don't feel like I can get out of bed...

• Bridges
• Glute squeezes (literally just squeezing butt cheeks together for a 5 seconds at a time! ha, easy enough!)
• "Write" the ABCs with my arms and/or legs (e.g., put my arms up in the air while laying on back, and use hands to write the letter A, then B, etc.)
• Pelvic rotation (lay in bed with knees up and feet on bed, rotate pelvis so knees stay together and drop to the side, then switch direction)

Exercises for sitting on the couch:

• Restorator
• Put resistance band around the knees and kick heels outward
• Squeeze exercise ball between knees

Standing exercises:

• Put resistance band around ankles and do side steps around the house
• Wall slides (back against a wall and slide up and down - can do with exercise ball and make into a squat)
• Push ups on wall or table

bbbb

DOLLY - Love the cut! You looked fabulous before, but now you look super fabulous!! I think it does us all good to see each other making progress and having victories! We all rejoice with you that your cold capping is working! I think your positive attitude has alot to do with how you look and feel! Thank you for spreading those positive vibes all the time! Wishing you a wonderful day!

SthrnYankee

Hey! Just replying to you wonderful ladies!

Pepper43- the sinus burning was the worst! Thank you for the hair/highlight compliment, I usually have thicker red & blonde chunks but the red fades fast- I think letting my kids shave my hair would be fun for them! Ha! Cutting it like it is now was hard for me...my hair has always been long.

Heathet- You look great! Good luck today!

Llroseworld- you look awesome! Your smile could brighten any room! Keep on rocking that Gl-Jane look!

Moondust- Thank you! I am doing good.

Bbbb- awesome on the day #2 with no SE's! I pray it stays that way for you!

Clarkblue- yes, one day at a time! I found myself trying to "go rogue" this morning! I felt good when I woke up & decided that maybe it was the meds making me feel bad yesterday so I put off taking them...it only lasted an hour until my hubby started questioning & I had to be honest...Ha! He made sure I swallowed them all. Thank you on the pics compliment! Also I have Zofran now but take it with other things. I did have it after surgery & took it alone when I got nausea & it worked great.

Labscientist- Thank you! I sure don't feel amazing but am so glad the 1st treatment is done! Woo hoo!

Nattyb- Thank you for the encouraging words! I hope all is going well for you.

Dolly- your hair looks awesome! Wow it would be amazing if you kept the majority of it! I was told that mine will fall out on the AC...all of it... but it would start growing back on the Taxol. My 1st AC was yesterday so we will see. What chemo regime are you taking? Your cold capping right?

Happy Wednesday to ya'll! I am going to take today easy & see what it brings! Praying this foggy brain goes away...I do not like it one bit!

Nextyear

Hi everyone,

Coffee lover- I don't have a trainer, but my friends are walking me. That helps so much with the nausea. I was able to jog this week ( chemo again Friday so I assume I will be back to walking).

ClarkBlue- thanks for the info on food. I'm confused about eating blueberries but am stopping now since your post. I have stopped vitamins too.

Bbbb- so happy your neulasta shot went well. Hoping for the same.

Knardo and revnet- sorry to hear about nose bleeds. So unfair that this happens too!

Has anyone combined chemo and radiation? I read a study that said doing together improved results -- the study reviewed results over a five year period (think it was five years) I'm going to ask. how great if we could be done with both early

I love all the pics - thanks for sharing. Hope today is better than yesterday!

Cody3110

Good morning ladies. Thank you to all for such a warm welcome. I can definitely feel the love and support. Starting to read the posts backwards and trying to get caught up.

Dolly - your cut looks beautiful.

Revnet - sorry to hear about your trip to the ER! How are you feeling now?

Heathet and Llroseworld - you are warriors with your new look. I am not brave enough to shave my head.

boobsBgone

Wow, you miss a couple days and it takes an hour to catch up with everyone. I don't want to miss someone's post about sharing or struggle, knowing I will be there at some point or maybe have a suggestion!

So, my hair started falling out, but already cut 10 inches off before starting; and then even shorter a few weeks after. So, I moved to my next phase, the Mowhawk! my idea was to have fun with my hair since i knew I was losing it anyway. Thought I was ready, no fear, get it done. Went yesterday afternoon, but then when she shaved the first side I started crying. She sat with me a minute and then continued when I was ready. Part of me feels I was tougher than that and my hair length did not matter. I seem to be wrong a lot lately when it comes to what is happening to me. I feel like I look like i have cancer now, and feel boyish. everyone around me (I think) knows i have BC so it should not be a big deal, right? My husband, who is out of town right now, said i am beautiful no matter what and agreed with me that I need to go buy some cute shirts to help me feel better. he wants me to put gel in it to make it stand upright more, guess I can make it a true spikey mohawk. Got up today, saw the mirror and cried again. I decided that was the last time to cry over my hair, knowing I will have more things to cry over during the rest of this journey. it just hit me harder that I thought it would.

Krekre - regarding facebook, I have elected not to share on FB until I was ready, which means for me, not until I am done. The important people that I need to have knowledge of what is happening already do. for me, FB is too judgmental and I don't want to explain anything to people that are not close friends. Some people are ok with sharing outwardly and that is good too. It is really up to you and what you are comfortable with, do not let anyone tell you it is right or wrong - there is no right or wrong, just how you feel and that is perfectly OK.

I appreciated seeing the shaved heads, it made me more comfortable that I am not alone, we are journeying together. I am usually not this sappy (sorry) but I take strength from everyone's posts; some of you are ahead of me on this trip, some are behind me and some are right there next to me! my second chemo is 7/6 and I am hoping I have a better handle on the meds and symptoms this time. I feel fatigued all the time and tire easier than ever before, but again it is normal for many of us. do what you body tells you and we will overcome.

oh, almost forgot the hair picture.

LJ2016

I love your hair, Dolly. Its darling.

Heathet and Lrose-you both look like you could kick some serious cancer booty!

BoobsBgone-you look cute! What a great mohawk

Here for round #2. Yesterday was a bad day, woke up feeling really faint, weak and dizzy. Doc sent me to infusion center for fluids and I got my labs done. Labs were all normal. I also had a mental meltdown. Of course, in my plan, the day before chemo was supposed to be the best day, since it was the farthest from last treatment. I ended up missing work and my Look Good Feel Better class. Slept all afternoon. When I control my expectations, I feel stronger emotionally. Yesterday just STUNK, but today I feel better. Here I am...and my darling hubs and darling daughter. So far, so good on round 2

boobsBgone

LJ2016 - take the good days and enjoy them. The bad days pass too, not as quick as we want, but they do. Keep strong and your family is wonderful to be there to keep you smiling! I actually look forward to the days I sleep all day! My 2nd tx is next week. and I am hoping for a better week!

Keep smiling!

Cody3110

boobsBgone: thank you for your post of earlier today. You have expressed so well about what I have been feeling but could not put into words. If I shave my head I will look like I have cancer. I now know why I am putting up with the "lint roller". I also echo your comment to Krekre regarding facebook.