**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009
Comments
-
When I wear my buff for to long I get a headache. I wear one to work abd after awhile I want to rip the dang thing off but am afraid to because I'm not ready for people to see my naked head. Am I wearing the thing wrong or am I just losing my mind?
Laurie
-
I'm sure I'll buzz by hair by the end of the weekend - I may just do it myself in the morning. Yesterday it was coming out in bunches, so I just stopped tugging on it, styled it, tossed on some hairspray in hopes of keep it in place, lol, and made it through the workday. In the evening, I combed it through and lots more came out, so again I just stopped that to get through an evening dance class. This morning though, yee gads. I just started pulling it out to see how much would come out, and I'd say half or more of it's gone now. I threw on a hat to go out. I cut it short a couple weeks ago - I'm glad I did that. I do want to get as much of it out of my head by the root before I buzz it, I think, so I won't have to keep rolling a lint roller over my head. Ha. What a riot this is. Not.
All of the cat pictures have compelled me to share my sweet Mikey with you all. He looked at me a little funny when I was in the bathroom pulling my hair out, but now he's laying next to me snoring. We'll see if I've actually figured out how to post a picture...
-
Janet Mikey is so cute. I just went through what you are experiencing. I just had my sister buzz me head. The hair ws coming out everywhere. I was tired of cleaning it up. Its so much better once its done. No more messes. Showers are so fast. No more worrying about clogging the drains.
I am enjoying the cat pictures also. They are adorable. I am also a animal lover I have Golden Retriever and a Big Fat Maine Coon cat. Thanks to all of you who post the pics.
-
Janet,
Mikey is so cute. What a great picture!
Hugs,
Francine
-
laurie41 - I feel your pain ... I'm still getting used to wearing the wraps and wigs and some days I think I'm wearing them to tight and I end up with a headache or feeling light-headed. One day I got bold and went to work with NOTHING. Everyone was very sweet about it except one person. I was really disappointed with her reaction, because she looked at me as if I were contagious ... the sad thing is this is a woman who I attend Church with and she knew of my diagnosis. It left me feeling very self-conscious for the rest of the day. Needless to say ... I only go without around my true friends and family.
crusader1 - Thank you. Believe me when I say my perspective on life changed long before my diagnosis. As I grew older I learned to treat people the way I want to be treated and to have friends, I must be a friend. I lost my grandfather, father, mother and two brothers to cancer, life is too short. Every day that I am on this Earth, I try to encourage others and make someone smile. That is and always will be what fulfills me.
Pickle - You look mah-vah-lus!!
Britt - It's interesting you put it that way.... one of my other friends who is going thru tx said she's going to wear a wig because she didn't want to look back and see herself looking like she had cancer. While I did love my hair
and feel very naked without it, I do want to look back five years from now and say "That's how I used to look." So you have been instrumental in helping make my decision ... I'm going to wear a Red Dress and Red Wrap with hoop earrings. I promise to post the picture once I get it! Thank you to everyone who took time to help me with my decision.FYI - The reason I love my hair so much is it was my trademark (that and my nails). I used to be an On Air Radio Personality and would make appearances. I was always referred to as 'the woman with the beautiful hair and long nails.' So here's are some of my best glamour poses (one of my friends says I'm like Barbie ... all my poses are the same, you just changed the clothes on the doll (LOL)!:
-
Luv2sing - My hair has always been my best and most complemented feature, and I've kept my acrylic nails so far (though they may have to go when I start the Taxol). It's a strange evolution of self-image to look in the mirror and see a different person looking back, but that's me now, and if I were taking an important picture, I'd go for some nice head gear, but not a wig. I love the glamour shots you posted, and I think a red dress and red wrap with hoop earrings will look absolutely fabulous for your picture.
-
luv2sing......they won't be looking at your hair...they will be looking at your beautiful smile. I love your smile.
hugs
Diane
-
Luvs2sing - Wow!!!!!!! I feel honored that you considered my response instrumental in your decision! And gorgeous is gorgeous - you are going to look absolutely stunning with the red dress, red wrap and hoop earrings!! It is such an empowerment color . . . . And those pictures!!!! You still look the same! What gorgeous outfits! Can't wait for you to post the picture . . .
And, like Janet, people always admire my hair (and thankfully I didn't have to lose it since I didn't need chemo) but was fully prepared to . . . . even had my wigs ordered, so I do so understand. And I do woefully miss my gel nails. Since I had all of my nodes taken out in my second surgery, artificial nails are a BIG medical no-no . . . and even professional manicures!!! So I try to focus on my toenails - pedicures - and try to keep my feet looking as pretty as possible.
Alas, valiantly trying to grow my fingernails . . . but it's hard. I feel so unfinished without The Full Package - and from the Wonderful World of Rads, where I am currently residing, must share that one cannot shave the underarm of the treated area AT ALL during the radiation time period - so there go my beloved tank tops and sleeveless dresses (and it's getting hot down here in FL!) for the time being . . . . well, it's still numb anyway although the arm mobility is really doing very well. And another thing: according to my own rads onco, can never sunbathe again. Adios careless days on the beach without being mummified.
Enough of this vanity! But we are all women and vanity is nothing to be ashamed of . . . . as I have always said, this is all temporary. Hair will grow back, underarm will be shaved once again, and one's nails will grow again - all after chemo and rads . . . health will trump vanity every time.
Now dealing with possible side effects of Tamox, which I am slated to be going on at the conclusion of radiation (second week of May) . . .
So that's it . . . .
Time for a glass of Cabernet Savignon . . . .
Everyone have a great holiday weekend!
Maria
-
I buzzed my hair. Wow, that was liberating, lol. It looks pretty strange, but it sure does feel good!
-
Thank you all!!!
On the fingernails and toenails - A friend offered to take me for a 'mani/pedi' and I had to politely turn it down explaining the sanitation thing and that my feet are ticklish, so only my husband can touch them and even I'm on the floor screaming!!!
I do my own pedicures and my nails so far are good, just getting some brown streaks. I started using a different nail strengthner to get rid of the ridges that had developed. BTW ... the nails in the picture were actually mine and they were my pride and joy. My husband does the cooking and cleaning in our house. So once I started doing things with my hands my nails started breaking, now they are around an 1/2 inch and so far they are strong.
-
Hair - I never really liked my hair, but now that it is gone I probably won't say that again. I feel like I'm wearing a costume when I am wearing my wig and feel like myself in a headwrap. I always thought I wanted thicker hair, but the wig, which is that, just isn't me. I don't think I will want a picture of myself wearing the wig. I am much more comforable in the headwrap and will be wearing the wig more for other people. I am looking forward to seeing the various hair styles at the shorter lengths that come from my hair growing out when treatments are over.
Janet - I'm glad it feels good! Your pup is really cute!
Luv2sing - Great pictures, Red dress and wrap sounds marvelous - do what you feel the most comfortable doing!!
-
Luv2Sing - I have really strong hard nails too. I had just mentioned to a friend that, it seems my nail are still growing and just as hard, so I may go to the nail salon just to have them cut down and filed (no cuticle cutting or anything) and painted a light color. Once they are this long they will just snap off down to the skin and that was something to be avoided too, because that will create hangnails, etc.
Diadonna - Glad to here your SE's are minimal. Did anyone mention Claritin for the bone pain from Neulasta to you? It has been discussed very early on the boards.
MichelleinSJ - welcome back, good hearing from you.
-
Janet0527: Bravo on the hair buzz. I feel liberated after getting mine done too. I just think of it as another thing off my checklist. I did sleep with a cotton nightcap on last night as it did feel a little cold!
Luv2Sing: You just seem like such a sweet loving lady. You're so beautiful and such a great attitude. I look forward to your posts. Red dress and wrap.....such a great color for you.
PattiB: Everyone always wants want they don't have.Human nature. I have (had....lol) very thick hair so a lot of hairstyles I wanted in the past wouldn't work. Straight haired people want curlly...curly want straight etc but now that we have had to go through this we appreciate what we had. I will be looking forward to the new hair too..whatever it will be. People say it will grow back grey or black and probably curly...I'm sure I'll be happy whatever it is. It'll be an opportunity to try different styles at different lengths that I might not have been brave enough to try before.
Have a good night everyone!
Beth P
-
Well I too got my hair buzzed today lol! My DH did the deed with my teenage son looking on to to make sure there was a steady flow of smarty pants comments in place to break the mood. I had so much grey growing in I was a bit shocked at my grey stubbies, but overall I too feel liberated like Pickle and Janet0527. My buzz was overdue because I'm not sure how most of the hair that was left on my head was still clinging on to my scalp! I feel squeaky clean tonight...but I'm sure I will be asking myself in the near future how to wear this new look. Until then...I'm going to bed, in my comfy pajamas, and enjoying the squeaky clean feeling!
-
I think I'm scared to buzz my head. Im still just picking at it. My edges are just about gone but, I can't take the plung yet. Maybe tomorrow will bring a different decision.
Good night to all.
-
loved the picture of the dog. I have a friend scheduled to shave my head in the next few day. I would insert a current picture of myself and one of my dogs but I don't know how. -
Janet, what a cute pic of your dog- looks like a sweetheart!
I too get headaches from wearing something on my head for a long time. I go bald at home a lot. I'm not sure I have the guts to go bald out yet tho. And frankly its just been too cold to think of such a thing. head wraps/scarves don't seem as bad as tighter items- certain hats and occasionally the buff- most of the time it doesn't bother me, but sometimes it does. People keep telling me I have a nice shaped head and I can pull off bald. Going out in public with a headwrap doesn't really bother me, tho sometimes I feel like folks are staring.
I too am looking forward to trying some really interesting hairdos during the growing out- I've never had the guts to do anything really different with my hair (or at least not since high school!) .
has anyone out there lost eyebrows.lashes? I have noticed a lot of loose lashes but so far not really noticeable in appearance.
-
Oh, I'm on page 34 and I've noticed you were looking for me. I am sorry I stayed away so long! Gina, I LOVE the matching wigs,and the wonderful day you had with your daughter. I want to do something really fun with my kids this week. I'm hoping for a nice enough day to go to Atlantic City, maybe. There are lots of outlet stores, lots to see in the casinos, and maybe we could even dig into the sand a bit.
And you're making me want a tattoo? Not really, but I would love to meet up with you!
HAPPY EASTER! I hope you have lots of Biotene and baking soda, and enjoy the good food.
Michelle
-
I'm caught up! Yay! It sure got eventful around here for a little while, huh. Seems to have passed, I hope?
Luv2Sing, you are so beautiful, and I can't wait to see that picture you're having taken!
Janet, your dog is so cute
My sister has a pit bull, and she's the sweetest dog. In some ways she's sweeter than my goldens. But the reputation serves my sister, who lives alone in the city. I feel like she's safer when she's got Sadie with her, even though Sadie wouldn't hurt a fly.There was something else I wanted to say or ask. Maybe about wigs, but it's not coming to me. I'm having trouble wearing my wig because of the acne. Tonight I went out with a bunch of friends wearing just a buff. That felt weird to me. Can I ask a question? Do you sometimes feel like people are nicer to you when you're not wearing hair? I sometimes get the feeling that people (waitresses, etc.) are going out of their way to treat me better than they normally would because they figure I am probably a chemo patient. It's an odd sensation, especially because when I feel great I often forget anything is even different about me. Am I just kind of reverse paranoid, or have others experienced this?
Well, now that it's 2:30 am I guess it's bedtime!
Good night!
Michelle
-
Michelle, I know people do stare but so far I haven't gotten the "I feel sorry for you look" thank goodness because I am not sick at all.........I just act like my normal crazy self trying to constantly corral 3 kids under the age of 4 so I think that once they see me doing all my normal stuff they get used to it. I have yet to wear and probably won't wear my wig.....I love the buffs. Maybe people think I am a competetive swimmer
. I haven't gone to the gym yet but plan on it this week.I love all the pet pictures....can't remember whose are whose at the moment..chemo brain kicking in. I lost my 14 year old lab the week before chemo started. It was awful but she went on her own accord. I have a Jack Russell terrier who is my "first born" according to him. His name is Duncan. I will try and find a good pic to post later on today for everyone's entertainment.
Hair.......for everyone buzzing in the next few days, good luck and please post some pictures.
Happy Holidays!
hugs
Diane
-
Love all the photos of everyone's four legged kids. Thought I'd share a few pics of mine to add to the collection.
" Jett 
" P.Diddy sherman & Tigger
" Miss Greta Garbo
Don't know about you Me'om but I've had a hard day!All the cats were strays, the boys are only young yet but Greta is 20 this year and still giving the boys a hard time! Jett Is 8 this year, she's a Shepherd/Husky/Wolf mix and is the sweetest natured dog even though she's had a tough time of it these last two years, she's had surgery on both her back legs because of cruciate ligament problems. Not a very flattering shot of me with Tigger, taken whilst I was napping, he sleeps like that most of the time!
Well, it's day 13 out of treatment and I'm getting nervous, guess I've fallen into the trap of testing the hair...nothing happening yet!
A Happy Easter to everyone, I hope its an SE free time spent with those you Love.
Sending healing thoughts as always.
Julie
-
PattiB & Pickle141 - Thanks
Alyad - You do have the perfect shape to proudly go without!
MichelleinSJ - Thanks! I see you're beautiful too!
I'm not really sure just yet whether they're nicer to me if I appear to be 'sick'. I know my husband and I went out eat after I had labs done, so I had a bandage on my arm and across my port, then I had a on wrap. Because of the top I wore you could see all the bandages. To top the look, I had on my fuschia lymphedema arm band
. I guess I was quite the sight and the waitresses and staff were VERY attentive. We're planning on going back to that restaurant for my birthday (Monday) and I won't be all bandaged and will be wearing a lace-front wig that looks exactly like my hair .... it was given to me as a gift from my cousin and I told her I would save it for a special occassion. So I'll get to see if the atmosphere is any different.Everyone - LOVE ALL THE PETS! I'm not 'allowed' to have one, but if I did it would be a Pomeranian. Here in VA, it's a beautiful cool day and my husband and I will be visiting my aunt (she's cooking). I wish you all a peaceful, as pain-free as possible, enjoyable day!!!!
-
pickle141 - I have heard that about the hair growing back also. Since I didn't really have many grays yet, I am picturing my hair coming back the same color (hopefully not gray). But whatever it may be will be just fine with me. I am going to, like you said, try some shorter styles that I didn't think would suit me before as the hair grows back "beautiful, thick, curley, brown, etc, etc." (me doing my positive thinking visualization skills) LOL
. Maidmarion - Your cats and huskey are really cute.
MichelleinSJ and Luv2sing - I have been wearing my buffs everywhere and really haven't noticed any stares. I think the folks going through treatments, like us, are much more common than in the past and more are going out in buffs/turbans than before. I think I have been treated fairly normal, but have definitely not been treated with any kind of "attitude"
. Luv2Sing - Happy Birthday to You!!!! tomorrow. Enjoy your evening out!!
-
All.....my hair is growing back in like crazy....and it is very dark although I have very dark brown hair almost black. I do see some grays though
but at least I see it growing. I am day 9 of my second treatment so I guess some of it may start going again later this week but at least I see it again. I got it buzzed all the way down 2 weeks ago today and don't have any bald areas. Makes me hopeful that when chemo is over at least I will see growth again quickly. -
Thanks PattiB, but blame it on the drugs ... my birthday is NEXT Monday
. -
Happy Easter or Passover Everyone!!
I had my 3rd AC TX on Wed. Really kicked my butt...again. I am still vomitting, but only because it feels so much better when I do. Doc hasn't changed med, apparently if I am holding down fluids and not getting dehydrated, then I am O.K.
I am starting to worry about Taxol. I have one more DD AC and then start DD taxol X4. I see that Kimmom and Travelgal are ahead of me. Any info. is appreciated. I hear your stomach doesn't get as upset, but your body aches more. Anyone else with info. Also, since not everyone loses hair on Taxol, does that mean it could start growing back then??
Hope everyone is having a SE free day!!
Chris
-
OK, here's my guys
Charlie (the Jack Russell) is 4 years old and Bosley (an English pointer) is 3 years old.
Bunny
-
Bwbly - Your puppys are really cute too.
Diane - The hair I still have is a little longer too. But definitely thinned out and a little patchy and my head is itchy. Still have the brows (I actually plucked some strays today), lashes and no brazilian yet!
-
Nasharayne - You will know when it's time.
Luv2Sing - Happy birthday next week. I may not remember then.
-
chrisC422 I am doing weekly taxol. day 4-5 is worst. abdominal pain and some leg pain and very tired, Have not lost any hair yet and it is day 20 so I am thinking I am not. The nurses told me taxol could go either way, stay, go or just thin your hair. Did not have any problem with nausea at all so far. The steroids ahead of the taxol have caused more problems than the taxol. Good luck. Annette
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team