Any May 2009 Chemo Starters?

My 10 year old grandson is very concern about my hair loss and his mom and I have been going back and forth on how to deal with it so is not so scary for him and his 2 other younger brothers. I think what I am going to do if have her cut my hair shorter by the end of next week ( 12 days after chemo) so they get used to the idea of seen me with less hair and then when it starts to fall out I want to ask them to help cut it. She already has the clippers since she cuts their hair and I am hoping that our plan will work for all of us.

TexasRose-I am trying to look at the loss of hair as part of the recovery process and not as a bad side effect. I know is going to be hard but  we can do it like many before us have. Deal with the situation in a way that you are comfortable with and that will reduce the stress of the moment.

To all stay strong even through the darkest hours! Have a great day and a good night! Diana

Thanks for the advice on the hair everybody. I know my hairdresser would come to my house if I asked her or she would do it after hours. I just don't want her to. I love her dearly. We've been together a long time. But this is intensely private to me when it comes time to actually shave it. I want to do it at home privately. Thanks Becky and NYmom60 for telling me what kind of razor to buy.

ladbham- I'm sorry that you aren't getting the support you need from your hubby. Can you sit him down and explain to him what you need from him? Mine has been great. Honestly much better than I expected him to be. But the other day he did say to me that he can't read my mind. If I need something from him, I have to tell him exactly what I need. And I know he's right. I think it's hard for men because they want to fix things and they can't fix this. Tell him how you feel. And you can tell him from me- I had my second AC Tuesday. It's a week. It's not one tired day. It's one yucky week- minimum. And throw in losing your hair. What I hate the most about round 2 is now I know what to expect. I'm glad you can sleep on your tummy again though! Hey, we take our victories where we can!!

Becky- I've never been a germaphobe either, but now I'm avoiding crowded places and people who sound even remotely sick send me running the other direction. I used to walk through the lobby of the hospital to get to the cancer center. Now I slip in the cancer center side door where I can avoid as many people as possible. Would you consider wearing a mask on the plane? I know it would suck. I don't know if I would either. But that is a confined space. I would say take a Xanax or an Antivan since it's too early for cocktails, but you will have your son with you? I forget how old he is. Old enough to take care of a stoned Momma? LOL Xanax makes everything better for me right now. I don't take it often, but I do take it on chemo day and I wouldn't hesitate to take it for anything else that was stressing me out. And I hear ya on the patience and the chemo brain.

NYmom60- I have several wigs and I really love two of them. I wish my own hair could look like them but never in a million years would it! I'm emotional about losing the hair but I like my wigs so that makes it a little easier.

sherrilynne- Good to see you again! I don't know how you ladies do it who work. Good luck today! I'll be thinking of you and hoping all goes well. Get some rest when you get home! I hope you have the rest of the week off.

Hug to everybody!

Mary 

Good morning May Marvels.  I'm doing fine three days out from chemo.  A little nausea this time but the Emend and the zofran are working.  I didn't need the zofran the last two chemo rounds.  I didn't drink water this round and I'm wondering if that's why I have some nausea.  I'm trying to drink more now but it's not going down as easier as before. 

Texas Rose - my hubby is is Dallas for work this week (of course - second time he's been away the week of my chemo).  He texted messaged my daughter and told her there were two "touchdowns" last night.  My daughter was confused.  I told her I don't think he's talking about football!  Hope the weather clears up down there.  Also, I understand about the hair issue.  It is an emotional thing to go through. I felt a lot better after it was off.  I think a lot of it is the anticipation about what it'll be like.  It also make this whole thing more real.

Sherryilyne - glad to have you back in the loop here!

ladbham - Men can be funny about these things (not in a ha, ha way).  I've had some other medical problems over the years and my hubby's reaction has been "interesting".  I think a lot of times they just want things to be ok and if things aren't then they want to fix them.  Obviously, they can't "fix" this so they pull away or pretend that everything is ok. when in fact things aren't.  I think it's their way of "dealing" with it.  Doesn't make it right though.  Texasrose is right about telling him what you thinking and what you need.  They should be able to read minds but they can't!

Wish I could talk to all of you but I have to run.  Got a lunch date.  Hope my stomach can handle it.  love to all.

ladbham- I think you must be married to the clone of my ex! Sorry I can't provide any suggestions except perhaps as Mary suggests to sit him down and have a talk. If he isn't the type, would it help to write him a letter? Or maybe show him this forum!

Mary - and anyone else needing new boobs. This is a link to the pattern my daughter used to knit me new ones (only need one, but I have a selection) http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall05/PATTbits.html I noticed that on the site, she refers to this site. Even if you don't know a knitter, the pattern is fun to read! I prefer the knitted ones to the store bought one.

Today at work, I got realy frustrated with my computer.  It just would not perform correctly.  Once I was upset, I started having heart palpatations.  The more frustrated and upset I got, the worse the palpatations got.  Has anyone else experienced this?

Kelly - try aleve with the claritin instead of tylenol.  I have not had any pain with my neulasta shots.  Someone on here said that tall, thin people usually have the pain.  Well, I am tall 5'9"  but I haven't been called thin for a few years.

I am not wearing my wig to work, I bought lots of scarves because I knew the wig would be hot.  Hubby has started calling me "pirate mom"  He said he was going to get me a Harley do rag so that I can be a biker bitch.

One of the doctors I work for told me today that I am an inspiration.  Why don't I feel like an inspiration.  I'm just doing whatever anyone in my position would be doing.  I mean, what choice do I have?  I do what I have to do.  My will to live is stronger than my will to give up.

Hope everyone is feeling better today. 

Sukiann- No, definitely wasn't talking about football! That's funny. The weather in Dallas last night must have been awful. We are about 120 miles from there and we had a big storm come through also. Lost power just as I got in the bathtub! Looks like we might be in for another round tonight.

mom2twins- I'm looking forward to getting my boob. There isn't much I can wear right now with one boob. I can't wait to be even again! I haven't decided for sure about reconstruction, but my hospital won't do it until treatment is finished. Boy- some of those scarves are really elaborate. I have trouble just getting a bandana to look right! LOL I'll have to practice I guess.

Leslie- I wish I could knit! Those are so cute and look comfortable. My aunt has tried many times to teach me to knit, but I'm a knitting flunkie I'm afraid. I would ask her, but she had a heart attack and a stroke and she really can't do it anymore. I did love reading the instructions though. Funny stuff!

Kelly- I'm glad your second is going better than the first. Sorry about the bone pain though. And the nausea and the fatigue. I'm on day 3 of treatment #2 also, but I feel worse this time. I slept most of the afternoon. I do feel better after sleeping though. I shaved my legs and was hoping it was for the last time, but I have stubble popping up. Figures!

Deb- I haven't had any palpitations. Definitely ask your onc about that.  Your hubby has a sense of humor like mine. Most of the time I laugh with him. Most of the time.   I know what you mean about the inspiration. I'm tired of people telling me how strong I am. Like you said, what choice do I have?

Lori- I haven't clipped yet. I need to buy a shaver and I wasn't comfortable going to Walmart or anywhere else today. I try to stay home for the first few days after treatment. Especially since kids are out of school now. I have to keep reminding myself that chemo is my friend. Chemo is not the enemy. Hard to remember that sometimes, but I try. I'm sure I'll do the shave this weekend.

I don't know about the rads because I'm not having them, but my chemo will go until October. I am looking at booking a cruise also, but I'm torn about how long to give myself after chemo ends. I'm also torn between repeating the Southern Caribbean out of San Juan or just taking one out of Galveston so I don't have to fly. So many unknowns and things to consider.

Does anybody get a sore throat? I have gotten one both times. I hate that. And my glands feel a little swollen this time.  

Hope everybody is having a good day or as good as can be expected.  

Have a bit of a sore throat now also with a couple of small mouth sores. I've been using salt water to try to keep it from getting any worse.

LoriR - I don't know about timing on the rads. It might be a little different for everyone. I will have surgery after the chemo and then the radiation so it might be later for me.

Hope everyone has a good night. 

Hi All

DEB: I did experience heart palpitation once.  I took a couple of deep breaths and rested and they past.  It certainly is something you should mention to your onc. on your next visit.

KELLY:  I also have wigs that I am not totally happy with.  It seems I can get a good cut, or a good color, but not both!  I can't even believe I am so frustrated by HAIR!  

I really admire your women who bought your wigs, accepted that it would be a different "look" and moved on! 

LORIR: I like what you said about letting the cure for this disease kill your hair so that you can kill the disease!  Good attitude - we need that here!   Someone said to me this week, "It's a good thing your hair is falling out- it means the chemo is killing the cells it's suppose to kill."  And, although I never thought about it like that, it was a perspective I was happy to hear.  (still hate my wig though!) 

LADBHAM:  I am so sorry that you don't feel supported by your husband.  Women are made to "talk" through our problems (hence the existence of these boards!) and men often tend to internalize.  Do you have a local support group in your area?  My local hospital, as well as my breast surgeon's practice has a group that meets once a month.  Maybe you can look into that a a place to "vent" and be understood.  Keep in mind, that he may likely just take more time processing this whole thing too, and will likely come around.

Love to all. 

Janet

My husband went and bought the shaver today and shaved my hair tonight. It does feel pretty freeing to just be done with it. It was starting to hurt so much. My scalp was really sore and it feels better already. I'm not thrilled about it, but I'm glad it's behind me now.

Hope everybody is doing well. Hugs!

Hugs to all from hot, sunny Florida.  Well, it's not sunny yet because it is 530 am.  Just like always, up at the butt crack of dawn.....this part of the SE's is really annoying!!  Had a great first day with my BF!  We just hung around and got caught up a little and the boys went to the waterpark.  Think we are just going to chill by the pool a little bit today.  It is so friggin hot down here, I love the ocean sooooo much I have to go to the beach, but I just don't know how long I would last and that would be a pain in the ass for us to drive get all sandy to just come back.  ya know?  Oh well, probably the only post you will see from me while down here.................

Hang in there everyone!  For some of us, this scarey roller coaster is half way done, for some just starting, but we are all in the same line..............ok that was stupid, it was supposed to be a cute little insprinig line but it is before 6 am......

HUGS!

Becky 

Thanks for the hugs Titch. How are you doing?

Becky- Butt crack of dawn!! You crack me up girl!! We had a friend who used to say he had to kick the rooster in the ass when he got up very early. Glad you are having such a good time!! Enjoy the pool and if you hit the beach at all, curl your toes in the sand for me. I love the beach!!

Janet- Boy, we are on exactly the same schedule! It was a shock to wake up this morning and see myself in the mirror. I look like my oldest brother!! LOL I was hoping to make it a little longer too because my nephew is coming up today to celebrate his 21st birthday. I was hoping to still have hair, but it wasn't to be. I will be the wig lady. Dreading it because it is HOT, HOT, HOT here today. Should be nice and miserable! I'm only wearing wigs, hats or scarves when I leave the house.

Hugs to all!

Mary

Titch--you are so funny. I just have to laugh. I  can just imagine the looks from the people in the club if you take off your wig--lol. It was 106 degrees today where I live in Texas. I don't normally go bald but there are times when I 'm alone that I just take off whatever it is I'm wearing  then one of  my kids will come in and look at me strangely but they are getting used to it. lol. I have teens. I went grocery shopping for the first time in a while and I felt so self conscious in my wig, mainly because I don't like it but hope to get a new one soon. I feel that everyone knows it's a wig but I'm sure they don't . Probably just think I look funny!!! lol. 

TexasRose--I understand the feeling of being free now that the hair is gone. You will get used to it. My sister took one look at me bald and said I look like my younger brother.lol. Just what I wanted to hear...... 

Hi all,

I to have joined the clan of the shaved head.  When I got home from my 2nd A/C on Thursday I found that my hair was coming out - not a lot at a time but enough to know it was time to get out the clippers.  It started with the whole family in the bathroom watching but before the first pass my daughter left the room.  I did most of the clipping but my 9 y/o son got to do quite a bit and he thought it was pretty cool.  I have 2 wigs and many hats so I think I'll be OK.

Janet, there is a breast cancer group that meets in the town I live in and I am going to check it out next week - if I can remember from the Chemo Brain.  Anyone else feel like they can't find the right word or remember what they did earlier in the day?  Very strange.

I've had the sore throat that Titch and NYmom60 have described as well as some big headaches.  Tylenol seems to work but what a bother.

One quick word of advice, don't eat asparagus if you have become sensitive to smells.

Take care everyone - I hope we all have a great week.

Hi all

I've been following you from bed-- bone pain in legs is unreal but I had my last of 5 neupogen shots last night so I hope it will get better when the effects wear off. I cannot walk around for more than a couple of minutes without my legs truning to this weird lead-like, pins and needles feeling, with shooting pains below my hip joints and above my knee joints.  It feels better to be lying down under heating pad. Boo.  Whining done--thanks for listening:)

I am so sorry for all of the hair issues that you've all been having-- it sucks.  I had purchased an electric razor after surgery as my surgeon said no more regular razors on surgical arm pit.  My stubble was really sore and my hat would fall off at night and I would wake up from the discomfort-- so I askd my hubby to try the electric razor on my head to get rid of the stubble (the duck tape works a treat but takes for ever:).  It worked and I cannot tell you how much better it feels to have no stubble-- it is not a pretty look as my head is white and my face to me at least seems yellow at the moment, but who cares if it feels good..  I bought a satin pillow case online and sleeping on that with a smooth head is wonderful.  For those of you with stubble, give it a shot. It takes a while and you have to go slow (and wait for the razor to recharge!!!) but it feels so much better. I do have some bad acne on my head.  Anyone else?  None on my face this time which I guess is good:)

Hope you all have a great day-- 

Morning Ladies,

6 days out from my third chemo and I can't wait for this to all be done.  One more to go.  Fatigue has been my biggest complaint.  I also had another reaction to taxotere and for the next round I have to take decadron the day before.  I know I didn't drink enough water this week and that is why my bodily functions have been burning the heck out of me.  I feel like I have a yeast infection (maybe I do?) from the itching and the burning.  My skin is raw!

echosalvaje - so sorry to hear about the afib.  A rare side effect and it has to happen to you!!  I have vfib (yes, I said vfib, the deadly kind) and have a defibrillator to zap me back to rhythm.  So I definitely know how scary it can be.  I had an allergic reaction to the taxotere and I was so scared I was going to go into vtach, then vfib. I totally freaked out on them.  The whole office was in the chemo room to see the 44 year old breast cancer woman in anaphylatic shock with the defibrillator.  I cause a scene where ever I go. Hopefully your new meds will do the trick.  Beta blocker?  I'm on Toprol.

Zuzee, ladbham, debbie6122 - shaved head are sexy.  Join the club!  emotional but liberating at the same time.

Texasrose - I just said to my husband that I look exactly like my older brother!!  I wear a baseball cap most of the time and I'm getting a little bit fatter.  With the extra weight on me, baseball cap and no hair (he has hair, but short of course and he really isn't fat) I look just like him!!!  It's a good thing he's so good looking or I would be upset! 

Becky - butt crack of dawn cracked me up too!!!  Thanks for the laugh!

Titch - whip off that wig!!!  I only wear mine if I'm out with my husband or my teenage daughter is embarrased by me (or wait, she's always embarrased by me....)

I have to go and drive the kids around.  Why does everyone think things are status quo when we're going through this?  It amazes me how sometimes people think you can just go on with all the regular activities when you feel like (you know what), especially the immediate family. 

xoxo sukiann