**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009
Comments
-
KIMMON AND LUV2SING - When I was in the hospital a few weeks back they had me on the tele floor so, I had those electrodes on for like 4 days. Now I still have the marks. I keep trying to peel at it but, it won't go away.
NYDEB - love the pic
I don't have any pets so, I'll post a pic of myself when I do the buzz. I think I'm going to finally shave it off this weekend. I could be all talk though. Maybe the decision will be made without me. I don't have much left.
This second time around has less fatigue but, the other stuff is worse. My mouth sores moved in early. The heartburn got way out of control. My onc told me yesterday I can take two nexium a day so, we'll see if it works. Now I have the metal mouth. Which I didn't get last time. Also, this diarrhea with hemorrhoids. Ugh, I think I would rather have fatigue. At least I can just lay around all day. I went for my Herceptin yesterday and that was all I needed. I was so shocked I didn't know what to do with my self. Every time I went to the onc before I was there for no less than 4 hours for some blood test being out of whack. Now that I'm fairly healthy I can't take these regular SEs. Okay done gripping.
I didn't get a break down of my tumor or an oncotype score. I did get a second opinion and both suggested TCH because of the tumor size and her 2 status. The onc I chose did offer a clinical trial but, he didn't know if it the additional drug would have an added effect on sterility so, I opted out. I would have liked to contribute to research because I am in the research biz but, it's not worth me maybe having kids one day.
Hoping for well managed SEs for all!!!
-
I went to the Look Good Feel Better class yesterday and God bless the volunteers. They had 7 of them helping everyone. They had home made coffee cake, tea and coffee and I can't believe the box of stuff they sent us home with. Cleansers, toners, moisturizers, make-up, powder, sunscreen, eyeshadow, 3 lipsticks, 2 blushes and more. Oh yeah...a nice little beanie cap to wear to bed. The head does get chilly...until the hot flashes visit. Speking of visits...the tooth fairy's sister...Miss Pube Fairy has made a visit. My dughter said I should put some in a baggie under my pillow and I'd propbably get a dollar or maybe a starbucks card...lol. I'm just happy to get the free Brazillian!
Janet: Thanks for the info. I am meeting with my onco on Friday so I'm sure she'll be able to clarify it all for me so I get my confidence back.
Diane: I don't know what the percentages were for me as far as IDC and DCIS. The surgeon bascially said the breast was pretty diseased. Multifocal tumors. Both IDC and Invasive Lobular Cancer and what wasn't already cancer was Dcis. Because of more than 1 tumor I had to have a mastectomy as opposed to lumpectomy He did get clear margins within 3mm so that was good. Apparently it is not unusual to have two types of cancer in the breast and the treatment is the same for both. I am not sure why AC and then Tamoxifen or AI was chosen for me but that is what the onco wanted. I am sure it was all explained to me but sometimes there is an overload of info and I can't take it all in. I didn't have the oncotype test but I am going to ask for it. She said because my nodes were neg. ,they just want to make sure they get any rogue cells that could be running around somewhere. I just hope this is enough to do the job. I have been feeling good and I don't know why I am back to second guessing it now. I'm sure she'll calm my fears on Friday. Maybe I have too much time on my hands to sit and think right now.
NYDeb: Love the picture...adorable
Marshall2000: Sounds like fun...take a picture and I love the t-shirt sayings.
Beth R:Thanks for the joke...too funny. What a great way to start the day.
To Everyone: Thanks for participating on this board. I look forward to it everyday
Silly Thought of the Day: Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?
Have a Wonderful Wednesday...SE free or at least as easy as possible!
-
Hi Jan,MOB
Happy April 15th. I do hope you have had a successful tax season.Hope you are feeling okay.
This hunk is for you.Zac Efron..from High School Musical ..He is my granddaughters favorite.
Enjoy him..
He is cute.
hugs,
Francine
" -
Hello everyone,
I have been out for a while, just busy, not feeling to bad though!! I have had two TC treatments and am on day 9 following my second. My hair started shedding before my second treatment and then very heavily the day after my second treatment. However, now it has slowed down tremendously and is just shedding lightly but enough to be very annoying. My hair is VERY thin now and I am unable to do anything with it. I cut it really short in a Pixie cut when it first started shedding so it wouldn't be quit so messy but now I am wondering if I should have my husband shave it down with clippers? I look like a man with a receding hairline and male baldness pattern beginning
I am just curious if anyone else on TC had this experience where it took forever to fully fall out? How long does it take? I am to the point I wish it was all gone, this in between phase is for the birds!! Please share your hair experiences! I need some encouragement! Thanks, Ladies. -
GTY - I couldn't wait for it to ALL fall out, so the minute it started to fall out by the handful (day 16) I buzzed it! Plus, I had the added scalp pain. Have you had that? The buzzing helps a lot! A couple days into the buzz, I was pulling and tugging at the stubble and using a lint roller to pick it up....it just kept on coming out. So I got an electric razor and went all the way. I continue to shave it closely a couple times a week cause I dont like the prickly feeling wearing my buff or when I am sleeping. I would say about 30-40% looks like it still wants to grow (I can see my very dark stubble against my white skin quite easily) but it is crazy patchy. It isn't just thin...there are 4-5" sections of my head that are still smoothe.
I guess I should add: Your hair might NOT ALL fall out.
-
GTYforeveryoung - is your TC taxotere and carboplatin? If so, I'm having the same hair issue. I'm on day 9 of treatment 2 and I still have hair. A lot has come out but, there is still a lot hanging on. Not ready to buzz as I said before.
-
nasharayne- no, my TC is taxotere and cytoxin. But it sounds like we are having the same side effects. I am thinking of buzzing it b/c I seriously look like a man the way my hair is receding. I would rather it just be a buzz cut if it is not going to all fall out. I haven't done the wig thing yet. Just hats, bandannas and a scarf.
-
marshall2000 - You crack me up. The t-shirts are funny and reminded me of something I said last night. I went out salsa dancing to a club where generally I know everyone, for the first time since buzzing my hair. I was wearing a bandana, and I figured I'd get questions - most of those folks have (had) no idea what I'm going through. So one guy asked me what's up with the bandana and I said "I'm having a no hair day." Lol. I thought it was funny.
-
Janet: What a great comment....made me laugh....love it!
-
GTY: What to do with your hair is so personal. I heard that different tx's can mean complete hair loss and other tx's are hair thinning. My onc said with AC I will definitely lose it all..... so for myself I just wanted to get it buzzed off a couple days before it started to come out. It actually felt liberating to do it and it was another thing off my list. Now it is stubble (looks like metal shavings) that are coming out quite quickly now. I don't think I would have been able to handle the long strands falling out for some reason. Good luck with your decision and do what ever works for you.
Beth P
-
nasharayne - aw i totally feel for you on the diarhhea and hemorroids. I had severe constipation the first round and it caused a flare up of hemorroids which I am still dealing with...and lately I have had the loose bowel and it burrrnns! if you know what i mean?! I hope your SEs go away soon. I have my moments this 2nd cycle, but managing and am riding the icky waves out.
GTY - The hair decision is a tough one and different for each person, but I think you will know the time has come because you will get to a point you can't deal with the awkward phase and shedding hair anymore. You will almost be looking for a sense of relief. I had long thick hair that I cut to a pixie during the first week of chemo. I tried to keep from buzzing my hair as long as could...but I had my hubby do it day 27 since start of chemo. Before that I was constantly wearing kerchiefs and turbans just to keep my hair on the scalp...but it was thin, shedding, and barely attached. I absolutely dreaded shampooing my hair because of all the shedding I was doing in the shower. I kept talking about buzzing my hair for over a week before I finally did it. It helped psych myself up for it.. but when I did do it I did feel a sense of liberation. I no longer have the fear of shampooing lol! I wear wraps with more confidence because hey I'm bald and I'm moving on. I don't leave a trail of hair on the floor anymore either (although the remaining stubbies are still falling out its not that bad cause they are small...much easier to manage and keep clean).
There are things, however, that I am still trying to deal with now...it gets cold with a bald head especially at night so i sleep with a turban...I also need to find something to moisturize my scalp with...maybe I'll use conditioner just to see if it works even without hair.
I am on TCH x 6 (taxotere-carboplatin-herceptin) with herceptin to continue an additional 6 months. I asked the onc twice and twice she told me yes I would lose my hair. I assumed, but did not specifically ask "all" though. So Gina may have a point that not all of it may fall out. In my case, if the stubs are still falling I think I would not have enough to worry about lol.
-
GTY
I just finished my 2nd round (of 6) of Taxotere/Cytoxan...and my hair is doing the same thing. Just enough stubble hanging around to annoy me
I buzzed it around 15 days after my first tx, since it was clearly coming out, but since then, it only falls out a little when I wash it.There's really not a single "smooth" spot on my head, kind of weird. All stubbly. But I am presuming it will all come out eventually. Meanwhile, I am not a wig type of person, just seems like alot of fuss to me. I wear scarves in public, and my bald/stubbly head at home.
But everyone does what makes them most comfortable, and that's fine. I think alot of women look fabulous in wigs, I'm just not patient enough to handle one right now, lol
Cheers!
Nadine
-
Nadine - You look great bald!!
GTY - You will definitely know when the time is right for you.
-
Eliza - Welcome - and I'm sorry the chemo has been so difficult for you. Hopefully it will go more smoothly with the next treatments.
BethR - Funny. Made me laugh!
Buddy1 - I did call my onc. The office told me to keep an eye on it and if it spreads or changes (hurts, etc) then call back. It has really just stayed the same from day 1, so I guess they will see it if it is still red next Wed.
-
Hey Guys,
Falling behind on some of these posts
.Marshall2000 - Trust me, it's the steriods making me glow (LOL)! Between my hot flashes and the drugs, I'm about to combust!!!!
Eliza - I was reading your posts, sorry to hear you're having such a rough time, I hope things get better for you. I know others have already told you everyone's reaction to the treatments is different. For me, it's a new surprise everyday (hahaha)! The good thing is anything I say or do can be blamed on the drugs (whew)! Try to remain positive, ask a lot of questions and don't let this take over your life.
Everyone - Hugs & Kisses to all!!!!!
-
Nadine....long time no see. I love your new avatar! You do look awesome bald. I think we all do I am with you on the wigs, too. haven't even attempted to put mine on since I got it. Did anyone see the msn story on Jennifer Lopez and her obsession with wigs? She has a whole room devoted to her wigs and she doesn't let anyone in. Oh pleeze......give me a break. She has way too much money on her hands to be obsessed with wigs of all things? She already has nice hair.
-
OMG Diane, I just looked at your profile - I saw your occupation listed as Wonder Woman and it just cracked me up, especially because you've got the pose down in your picture. Lol.
-
jdeking, michellinnj - I got my furminator in the mail yesterday. Unbelievable, took our dog out on the deck and the hair was incredible. He looks and feels so much better too. For anyone interested in buying one, go on amazon.com, half the price of the vet.
-
Janet, my normal avatar is wonder woman......gotta be with my family!
hugs
Diane
-
Thanks, PattiB and Diane...I was feeling pretty good about the way I looked until I went to the grocery store yesterday, lol!
It's not that anyone was at all mean..in fact, everyone seemed *too nice*
I suppose I was just kidding myself thinking that I just looked like any other woman with a scarf on her head, but I guess not!Ah, well...this too shall pass...
Cheers,
Nadine
-
Nadine. You look absolutley beautiful. If everyone seemed "too nice" that too shall pass. I"m sure once our scarves are gone and our hair is back....the same old...same old service will be back too. Enjoy the "extra nice" while you can.
Elliza and Nasharyne: I hope you are both feeling better today
Diane: You do have the "Superwoman" pose down pat.You look great!. Jennifer Lopez with a wig collection...I'd like to know where she got them (custom made I'm sure) because the ones I have drive me crazy. Not very comfortable to wear for any length of time. Frankly I am sick of celebrities and their BS. That's my rant of the day!
NYDeb: The Furminator sounds like a great idea. I have one shedder. I'm going to check it out. Thanks for the tip.
Rachel: Good luck with # 2 tomorrow. Do you have your Dad or someone coming to stay with you? I'm right behind you # 2 on Monday. Bloodwork and the onco tomorrow.
Gina: Good luck tomorrow. Is this # 3?
Best wishes and hugs to anyone having tx today.
Silly thought of the day: When I was young we used to go "skinny dipping," now I just "chunky dunk."
Cheers
Beth P
-
Well, it was time! I shaved it last night and feel sooooo much better! I actually like it. It was beginning to look a littel scary with the receding and bald spots. My 3 year old says I look like Daddy now
My 8 month old keeps looking at me like he can't understand. Mommy sounds the same but looks different. Kinda cute. Praying for those that have treatment this week and minimal se's!
I am awaiting my BRCA results Monday and praying HARD it is negative so I don't have to have a double mastectomy. Chemo #3 a week from today so I am really going to live it up this week
Nadine- I know what you mean about the *too nice* service.
To all- thanks for the encouragement with the hair!
I love this beautiful weather we are getting! Sunshine and low 70's, uplifts my spirits very much!
Have a great day everyone!
-
GTY: So thrilled to hear that you feel so much better about your hair. Your 3 year olds comment is so cute. My dogs even noticed something was different. One of them has always been scared of people with hats and sunglasses but she's adjusted.
Good luck with the BCRA results. Fingers and toes are crossed for you.
Beth P
-
GTY - I'm going to be getting the BCRA test done, too - haven't done it yet, but actually just asked my oncologist to order it yesterday. I mentioned the hypothetical mastectomy on the other side to my plastic surgeon, and his response was that from a purely plastic surgery perspective, that would allow him to give me a nice matched set. Lol. I suppose that's one way to look at it.
Nadine - You look great bald. I think we all do, actually.
I was just happy when I buzzed my head to find out that it had a reasonably nice shape to it. Hey, ya never know what's under all that hair until you look...It is warm and sunny here in the DC area after days of rain, and I am thrilled that it's supposed to last through the weekend. Spring, finally - bring it on.
-
I am so glad to hear you gals are finding peace with your buzz-job! I know it is such a difficult step to take. Like...when was the last time you (or anyone) ever saw your bald noggin???? Unless you are Dayla who buzzes for her warrior-gal nature treks, not even your mother remembers what the shape of your head looks like. And so far...everyone looks absolutely beautiful ~ I haven't seen a wonky head yet!
GTY - are you getting the BRCA test done because of family history?
Tomorrow is my hubbies bday and TX #3. Sheesh. However, I have a ton of energy today and he has asked only for two things....Rainbow Cookies and a Plasma TV. He isn't getting the TV (ours works just fine and is only 5 years old). DUDE, this is not the time, place or economy to upgrade your perfectly good, well working, large screen TV!
So, I thought I would try to make the rainbow cookies. I did it a couple of years ago but can't remember where I found the recipe. I wish I lived in a place were there were some good bakeries but there aren't any here. Actually, that is not true. We have some awesome bakeries...but it's all artisan breads and fancy/fufu cupcakes. Anyone have a good recipe? I think these are technically Italian...but I am Italian and we never had these when I was growing up. Hub is Jewish and he said he and his dad went to a local Jewish bakery when he was a kid and had these every weekend. Go figure.
Hope everyone is surviving their SEs.
hugs
gina
-
Francine - I've been wanting to comment on the Zac E. pic. My daughter is a huge fan. A "6 going on 16" kind of fan. His picture scares me!
-
"MOB--Here is your hunk for the end of the tax season. Brad Pitt is cute. Haven't seen you around the board. Hope you are feeling well.
Hugs,
Francine
-
Gina,
Good luck on your TX 3. What are they giving you this time. I am day four out of my third and have been taking ativan and seem to be feeling a little better.Having not dressed yet (only 3:00) but soon I plan on getting dressed.
Gina why were you scared by Zach. I assume you were kidding.It was my first gift for Jan at the end of Tax season. He is cute. Today I sent her Brad Pitt.
Gina , rainbow cookies are very popular in NY. I guess your supermarket does not sell them in the bakery department.
My birthday is this Sunday. Wish your hubby a happy birthday from me.
Hugs,
Francine
-
5timewinner-
What a great look...So elegant..
Pickle= Keep up the great comments..
Hugs,
Francine
-
Francine - Thanks for the picture of Brad. Like him or not, there's no denying that he's easy on the eyes.
Gina - I googled "rainbow cookie recipes" and dozens popped up. There were pictures, too, and boy do they look good. I am not normally a sweets person, but my chemo altered taste buds are loving sugar for some reason. Maybe because I can taste it?
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