Has anyone started a forum for Chemo in Dec 2008?

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  • mary5454
    mary5454 Member Posts: 89
    edited January 2009

    Now that I am losing my hair on my head...I was wondering on TC do you lose your eyebrows and eyelashes??

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  • colleen1960
    colleen1960 Member Posts: 226
    edited January 2009

    I have not posted in a few days.  This last tx is kicking my butt.  The nausea and fatigue it really bad this time.  I have been in bed since late on Fri.  And I still do not feel good.  Saw the nurse today because they had to take more blood.  The blood the took on Friday was not a good sample so I had to do it again today.  I almost wish I could throw up maybe it would make me feel better.  None of the drugs she gave me seem to work this time.  I am hoping that this was just a 1 bad tx and the next 4 will not get any worse.  Especially since I have to go again on Monday.  How having a bad emotional day.  We are all entitled to that.  Between the meds and menopause symptom's, I am surprise I do not have more of them.  Well I am going to try another pill and see if I can get some sleep.

    Colleen

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  • BonnieK
    BonnieK Member Posts: 655
    edited January 2009

    Mary -- My head hair is mostly gone, but the eyelashes and brows are still intact.  I'm on TC too, and have seen several posts that say the lashes and brows fall out after chemo is over, but I don't know for sure.  My second Tx is this Wednesday and I'll ask the onc if I can remember.

    Colleen -- Sorry you are having such a hard time with SEs and I hope you feel better very soon.  Take care.

    -bonnie

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  • mombos
    mombos Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2009

    teachgrade3 - How was your first day back at school?  Mine was okay.  Only teachers were back today and students come back tomorrow.  Since I am only a few days away from my second treatment I am feeling pretty good.  (although the hair is coming out all over the place)

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited January 2009

    Cinda, I hear you on the fatigue, but I don't want to imagine it getting worse with each tx, it can't!! My sister is back in Peru so she called on New Year's Eve (which was my worse day) and after a few minutes I told her I had to hand the phone to someone else and lay down, it really was asking too much of me, yep, sitting & talking on the phone and couldn't do it! LOL!

    Firni, thanks. I went to get photo passport on Sunday for my citizenship interview this morning (I passed :) and until I found out I had already sent them photos when I applied, I thought this was going to be on my certificate of citizenship, so if it was going to be bald, I made sure I looked good! But since I didn't get to use them, it will probably be in my passport since I plan on applying within the next few weeks.

    As far as my head itch, my scalp isn't so dry anymore, but still little itchy red bumps which someone pointed out that it probably is folliculitis. I'll be going in tomorrow to have them look at my head and prescribe the right cream for it, trying all those little $5 tubes is getting expensive and not fixing my problem. I looked at pictures online and it looks just like my head.

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited January 2009

    Wow, everyone but me must be sleeping good.  There's usually someone posted by now.

    Bold, How are you doing??  Haven't heard from you for a bit. 

    I'm on day 8 of TX 2.  Why is it taking so long to get back to normal??  Bone pain is gone, but I still have a delicate stomach and absolutely no energy.  I had hoped to walk the dog on Sunday and I still haven't.  I don't think I'll be able today either.  Not to worry about the dog tho.  DH takes him.

    Caroline, I'm glad you're seeing the dr. today about your itchy head.  Not only does it get expensive trying all kinds of stuff.  But then you have all that stuff laying around taking up space. Coz, if you're anything like me, I can't just toss something out if it's still good.  I'll keep it until it expires.  Even if I'll never use it.

    I go to my LGFB class this coming Monday.  I'm looking forward to it.  I'm almost out of makeup now and I'm hoping that it will last till my class.  I'm also hoping they'll have someone who can help me style a wig that was given me.  I just don't know how to style without heat.  

    I've spent the past two days filling out applications for financial assistance.  I think that even tho we're struggling, we won't be quite destitute enough to qualify.  But it never hurts to try.  Talk about exhausting tho.  Looking up all that info, collecting bill stubs etc.  I didn't think it would be like a research project.  I'm sending in 5 applications today.  Hope something goes thru. 

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  • Grancy11
    Grancy11 Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2009

    good morning all - sending everyone hugs and prayers and wishes for a good day

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  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited January 2009

    Good morning ladies,  just dropped by to offer a few words. One thing you have to remember is that everyone gets different side effects. As for fatigue being cumulative, well....it can be, but for me personally, it was not. I actually got less side affects as treatments continued.

    Mary, same thing with the eyebrows and eyelashes. For me.......I lost mine when I started Taxol. I don't I had a hair on my body anywhere. And now, I am finished with all of my treatments and I think I am hairier (sp) hair everywhere is a different color, even in both private areas There are some women on here that mentioned they lose their eyebrows and eyelashes about every 3 months. I haven't reached my 3 months out yet, but I am close and still have my eyelashes and eyebrows.

    I hope you all don't mind my stopping by. I just joined in Nov, and I logged into this posting and have just hung with it, along with a couple of others. I only wish I found it when I first started.

    Hang in there and keep the Faith.

    God Bless Us All

    Lori

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited January 2009

    I need to try one more tube! He said OTC antibiotic cream like neosporin or bacitriacin and to STOP touching my head, I might be spreading it by scratching, so keep my hands clean (like I'm not already overwashing my hands!) and leave my head alone.

    Lori, thanks for dropping in, encouragement is nice.

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  • Grancy11
    Grancy11 Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2009

    Lori, thanks for the encouragement - did you have to go all through your treatment without this site? can't imagine how hard that would be...

    Firmi, hope you get some financial assistance so all your energy can go into fighting the beast, not the bills...

    Caroline, you look great!  speaking of overwashing, I am so tired of washing my hands, sounds petty even to me, but maybe I'm just focusing on something little to avoid the big bad scary one?

    Colleen, blessings and hugs and wishes for a feeling better day today, so sorry this tx is eating you up

    Mombos, glad your Monday was good, hope it's good today with the kids there too

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  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited January 2009
    Day 15 of treatment #2 TC - Feeling fine, but may be a bit more tired..... hard to tell, it is a lazy day with an icestorm so we are all hunkered down being cozy in the house. Taught at Bible Study last night and the other leaders are all waiting to see the next cute hat :-) A lady told me of a good place to get a wig, so I'll try another wig to see if it is more comfortable. Will have to go this week as this is "the good week"; not willing to drive over to Indiananpolis any other time.Bold -  I am still thinking and praying for you. Cannot believe your onc put additional pressure on you for weight loss - coping with cancer and the treatment is challenge enough!!!!!!! There is a point that all of us are tired of this! I think we all need to pamper ourselves and feel good about what we CAN do while undergoing treatment. Firni - Good luck with the financial assistance. You have been busy! Filling out government forms and getting supporting data is such an overwhelming task - I am awed with your stamina! Jajebr - Hope your treatment went well, let us know how you are doing. Good luck to all the ladies undergoing treatment today. 
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  • Brenny
    Brenny Member Posts: 116
    edited January 2009

    Day 14 after tx2 -- no discernible SEs

    mmliv - I am wearing my wig pretty much 15 hours a day and it is not uncomfortable -- so there must be an advantage in the person or facility you go to.  And it does not have to be uncomfortable.   My salon specializes in wigs -- did all the head measurements before ordering it for me.  So maybe rather than just "making" your head fit into a wig that is instock or one that has been given to you, there may be something to be said for having the wig made to your size.  Or it may be that my head is just not that sensitive!  But mine is okay for daily wear -- today is the first day I didn't use the double sided sticky tape in the front (and that's just because I left my bag at work and didn't have it). 

    My wig is the very same style as my Oct haircut, but I chose a little different shade of blonde (it is less brassy) Was gone over the holidays and came back to work yesterday -- where they are not aware of my chemo -- and was delighted when two gals spent about ten minutes discussing my new color -- and neither of them had a clue that it is a wig!!! (One gal loves the softer color, one thought it was just okay).  How funny is that!  And they were looking hard at me and my hair the whole time!!  Sooooo it must look okay!

    Trying to plan my year -- are most of you thinking that your rads (for those who will have rads) will start about 30 days after your last chemo????

    Bren

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  • mmliv
    mmliv Member Posts: 128
    edited January 2009

    Brenny - thanks for the encouragement. I don't think my head is that sensitive..... I think it is the wig. So I will definitely try the place in Indy; there are times I need a wig.

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  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited January 2009

    My Dear Dear Divas:

    Thank you thank you thank you. I have never had such an out puring of love in my life. Your strength and understanding has brought peace and patience with myself. That is no easy task.

    I wanted you to know that the onc said that the the meltdowns are crashes in the endocrine system. A depletion of hormones rapidly. This explains the not being yourself.

    This is truly the most wonderful group of woman. It is true that there is strength in numbers. We are all learning and healing together.

    Your not kidding about the nuelasta pain. I was knocked off my feet from lower back spasms. The heating pad and rest helped.

    The roof of my mouth is pealing. yuck.

    This is going to be a long journey. Maybe the fatigue is a way of making us sleep through some of it so it goes quicker.

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited January 2009

    Hi Divas.  It's day 5 of TX 3 and I'm still in the crap house.  I made it back to work today but that's about it.  I've managed to get out a couple of reports but now I'm just sitting here at my desk kind of in a daze.  Yes, I'm pissed off too!  haha  I have 4 hours and 20 minutes til quittin' time.....  The only side effects I'm having right now is fatique.  The nausea has decided to give me a break which is a good thing. I'm such a downer today so I better stop now before I bring everyone else down with me. 

    Hugs, Divas!  Thanks for listening :)

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  • Catrenae
    Catrenae Member Posts: 733
    edited January 2009

    Hi Divas,

     I hope those of you who were feeling bad are feeling better. At least we have each other to complain, whine, moan and groan to and we all know exactly what the other one means! Although all my friends/coworkers are very supportive, I know they don't really "get it" when I try to tell them how nothing tastes the same and my scalp in on FIRE! Smile

    This is completely off topic but I have a question. I should be through with chemo at the end of April, then I will have my surgery - a double mast. How long should I expect to be off work? (assuming everything goes "normally")  I work in an office, so no strenuous lifting or physical labor would be required. Also, my mom will be staying with me after the surgery. Do you think I'll need her more than a week?

    I know these questions are a little premature but I'm just trying to calculate my sick time versus how much vacation time I will need to take. I'd love to have enough time at the end of 09 to take a VACATION!

     Thanks, Cat

     

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited January 2009

    Bren, about rads, your guess is probably right. I'm on a 3 week cycle, so I'm guessing that they will wait at least 3 weeks before starting rads to make sure my chemo is done. I don't want to loose much time in between, looking at finishing chemo at the end of March, start rads mi/end April for 7 weeks, done rads mi/end June, just in time for a much needed summer vacation. DH's work shut down the week of July 4th, we're already planning to go away, I HAVE to be done by then ;)

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  • mary5454
    mary5454 Member Posts: 89
    edited January 2009

    Bonnie - good luck tomorrow! Lori- thanks for the words of encouragement. Bren- I am also expecting to start rads about 3-4 weeks after I finish. My radiation oncologist has offered me 20 sessions instead of 35...says that in Europe and Canada they do higher doses for shorter periods with same results and no additional side effects so I am going for it. I am feeling really good right now - but Thursday is #2...

    My wig is uncomfortable too- but I still have some spiky hair which is relaly itchy and I think contributes to the discomfort. Waiting to receive scarfs I  ordered - think that will feel better. Many people at work already know so who cares? right? One of my co-workers told me I shouldn't worry about anyone but myself (she also gave me a list of jokes to help me heal!).

    My best to you all. I  look forward everyday to getting on this site.

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  • BonnieK
    BonnieK Member Posts: 655
    edited January 2009

    Mary -- thank you!  The chemo clinic just called to remind me that I have an appointment tomorrow -- like I could forget! 

    Bren -- I was not expecting to have rads until they found a bigger than expected tumor and a positive node, so now the plan is to do the exchange between chemo and 33 rads. 

    My wig feels better as my head gets less sore, but a soft scarf or hat is still the best.

    Take care, Divas.

    ~bonnie

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  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 1,519
    edited January 2009

    Caroline, I thought you were not having rads since there was no node involvement.  When did that change?  Am I the only one not doing rads???

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  • apfuentes
    apfuentes Member Posts: 95
    edited January 2009

    Bkokie - I got that reminder call too and thought the same thing!  How could I forget???  I wish I could forget!

     I'm not doing rads.  I had TX#2 today of TC.   It went smoothly like last time. I  feel like since I got over the hurdle of losing my hair, I can manage anything else that comes my way, but we'll see.  The stomach flu is going through my house (2 kids, hubby and MIL all had it).  My mom is coming tomorrow to take over from my MIL having to leave.  I just hope I don't get the bug.  I'm pumped up on antibiotics b/c of my breast infection, so maybe I will repel it??  Please spare me this one thing!  I HATE throwing up.

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  • lktracey
    lktracey Member Posts: 110
    edited January 2009

    cebula - your pic is gorgeous!

    I have been mulling in the hairloss drama.  Going to get the buzz this week. Can't believe I am saying this, but I can't wait to get rid of it at this pitiful state.

    Day 1, Tx#2 - halfway through!!! Go back Jan. 27th. Had the allergic reaction to the higher rate of Taxotere, so we stopped, symptoms went away and resumed at lower dose again.

    I hope all you ladies are doing well, sorry I have not been on to face it all, just needed some cancer time out...

    Much love,

    Lauren

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  • havehope
    havehope Member Posts: 503
    edited January 2009

    Day 8 TX2 first day without a headache since tx2. Yesterday was back to work day and I had a huge migraine. Got home at 6:30 PM went to bed at 8 and managed to sleep until 4:00 AM. Today no headache, just my taste is off and I have a bitter taste no mater what I drink or eat.

    Thank you ladies for being here for me and I wish all of you strength and will power to overcome all SEs.

    Many, many hugs,

    Simona

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  • BreastCancerDiva
    BreastCancerDiva Member Posts: 62
    edited January 2009

    Hello Divas!   Just wanted to say I've been struggling with the wig as well.    I have found that a "do-rag" (found in the ethnic hair section at Wal-Mart!) under my wig makes it a lot more comfortable.   I've still got a lot of stubble - my head feels like the sticky half of a velcro strip -- and the mesh fabric keeps it from rubbing on the inside of my wig.    I wear a wig to work so it's on for 10-11 hours/day.   

    I had Tx #3 on 12/31 and will have my final FEC treatment next Thursday (1/15).    Then 4 of Taxotere.    I've been more tired than with the first 2 tx's, but manageable.   Today it seemed like EVERYTHING tasted good... spicy mexican for dinner, salad for lunch, chocolate to snack on....  I won't be losing weight if this keeps up!  

    mmliv - I don't know where you are in IN, but I had a wonderful person in Dayton, OH help with my wigs.   Depending on location, Dayton may be as close!    I'll PM you with her info.   She literally took the wig off her head to let me try it on!   Now THAT'S customer service!

    Robyn
    www.breastcancerdiva.com 

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited January 2009
    Thanks Lauren :)

    Firni, yes I need rads, I was told about it before I even had the lumpectomy, must be because of tumor size? 2.5 cm.
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  • lisasayers
    lisasayers Member Posts: 850
    edited January 2009

    Hello Divas

    Been a long day...headed to Ohio to see my PS for my last expansion and got my date for my exchange surgery...March 20!  Woohoo!!!!  I'm glad I had to see the doctor today, as I found a pea sized lump in my arm below my bicpe.  It is right on a vein that has popped out since my SN biopsy.  Doc doesn't think it is anything to worry about.  Keeping an eye on it...if it doesn't go away, getting an MRI.  I think I just over did things this weekend with putting away Christmas decorations and then did Zumba all day yesterday...that is when I found it.

    Taught Zumba tonight.  I will tell you, the more exercise I get the better I feel.  Today is day 12 since TX2 and the fuzzy feeling and lousy taste has gone from my mouth.  My head is still stuffy, but it has been that way since starting treatments.

    Hang in there ladies...I know it is hard, but there is a light at the end of this lousy tunnel!

    Caroline...you look fabulous!

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  • goldie0827
    goldie0827 Member Posts: 6,595
    edited January 2009

    Grancy - Yes, I went through all treatments before finding this site. I had lots of support and encouragement from family and friends though. Thank you Grancy and Mary for the welcome.

    I come here every morning and read for hours while I have my coffee. If there are any questions anyone has for me please don't hesitate. I am so sorry for everyone having a tough time with these damn side affects. All I can say is hang in there, its not forever. The only thing that is forever is worrying about this ugly monster showing its ugly head again. I try not to think about and put it in God's hands. That being said, I am posting an email that a friend sent me while I was going through treatment. I was titled "Simple Prayer".

    God Bless Us All

    Lori

     To: YOU
    Date:TODAY
    From:GOD
    Subject:YOURSELF
    Reference: LIFE

    This is God.  Today I will be handling All of your problems for you.  I do Not need your help.  So, have a nice day.
    I love you.

    P.S.  And, remember...
    If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself!  Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.

    Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it.  Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

    If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair.  There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

    Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.

    Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

    Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

    Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

    Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

    Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

    Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!                   

    Now, you have a nice day.
                             God

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  • mombos
    mombos Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2009

    Cat - I had a double mast. and expanders placed for reconstruction.  I was told that if I had not had the reconstruction part my recovery would have been shorter....like a week or two.  With what I had I took 4 weeks off.  I might have been able to go back after 3 weeks but I didn't want to push it.  At the end of the 4th week I started back with half days.  I would recommend this since I was exhausted the first few days back.

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  • colleen1960
    colleen1960 Member Posts: 226
    edited January 2009

    Today is day 6 after tx 4 and I am finally feeling better.  I am hoping to get some laundry and other things done today.  My tree is still up and I would like to get some of that done today.  I will only have 5 days and then I go for tx #5.  I don't know why the se were so bad this time.  I am hoping because I was run down from the holidays.  Some people have asked why I don't move the dates further apart and believe me some times I really want to.  But then I think if I can just hold on and get through this next 4 tx I will be done and I can get my surgery which is scheduled for 3/23.  I was hoping that I could be back to somewhat normal life by spring.  So now I just hope that the next 4 tx will be kind to me.  But I am really nervous, it is like starting out again for the 1st time.  I really hate to complain when I know some people have it so much worse and I know that I can get through this. 

    Thanks for listening and have a good day,

    Colleen

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  • Catrenae
    Catrenae Member Posts: 733
    edited January 2009

    Mombos,

     Thanks for the feedback. I won't be having reconstruction right away. My docs said it could interfere with the radiation, and said they would prefer it if I waited. I agreed with them, so...

    I'm kind of planning on taking 2 weeks off at this point... but of course that's still a long time away, and who knows what will be going on by then! Smile

    On another note, I had my labs done today and everything came back good! WBC was good this time. Yeah! 

    Cat

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