Starting Chemo in July 2009

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  • glassist
    glassist Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2009

    A question for the "bald is beautiful" crowd - have the eyebrows and eyelashes gone as well?

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    Day 8 from first tx and today don't feel so great. It has been good so far, but this morning I felt all wobbly in the shower and could hardly be bothered to get dry with the towel. Staggererd to the bedroom and just sat there like a piece of limp lettuce. I didn't take any nausea meds yesterday as I am  up to the as needed. Decided I needed the zolfan today.

    Regarding my lumpectomy, it is on the outside of my right breast - the lump really seemed almost in my armpit. I think it is filling in. But the scar line feels quite hard. But finally, I can sleep on both sides (port on the other) don't need to sleep in a bra to hold myself together and I can take a tshirt off stretching my arms above my head. Yeah!

    Hoping the SEs stay from those with tx.

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  • pammyj
    pammyj Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2009

    Shaesallah..had the white tongue too,think it's thrush (fungal infection ) got a mouth rinse from onco..nystantin 4x day..used it 2x better already

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  • Jayne_in_UK
    Jayne_in_UK Member Posts: 517
    edited July 2009

    Glasssist for me it is only the hair on my head that has gone, I still have hair on my arms, legs, face, nether regions unfortunately. A friend I ‘met' on another thread said that her eyebrows and lashes came out after she had finished chemo :( I had to laugh at the homeless getting to the stuff in your garden before you do, but I really think they could leave some for you to enjoy as well! In our garden it is pests like slugs, snails and birds that we have to share with. I don't mind too much but I definitely want us to have our share.

    Gillyone I'm sorry to hear you are not feeling good today. Maybe the zolfan will help, not sure what that is but sometimes things have different names over here. I hope you soon feel better. Yay for taking a t-shirt off by stretching your arms over your head. I was thrilled the first time I managed that, and it wasn't too long ago. I soon got used to being able to do it again, then last week at the hospital I took my camisole off over my head and the nurse commented on how well I was moving my arm. Our bodies are amazing in their ability to heal.

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  • Niknak0320
    Niknak0320 Member Posts: 138
    edited July 2009

    Good afternoon ladies!  I had PT this morning, got 2 "cords" popped and my arm feels great :)

     Glassist: I still have my eyebrows and eye lashes but I see a couple each day on my face so I guess they are starting to come out.  I have no new growth on my legs and minimal "down there" hair.  

    I hope everyone is having a great day :)

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Bald down under and on top but still have facial hair! Leg hair is very sparse. 

    My mom just called and her first round of Chemo. went well! Thank you all for the well wishes and prayers. In fact I think she had a really good time, but will allow her to share her story. (involves a bunch of hunky jocks)

    Everyone keep up the good work, you all are great!!

    Lisa 

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  • eliz46
    eliz46 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2009

    Hi everyone .i have a question what is a normal bc during first chemo ?

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  • lorijo1993
    lorijo1993 Member Posts: 40
    edited July 2009

    I still have eyebrows, thank goodness, I can't draw a straight line much less the little feathers that the Look Good Feel Better taught us, I did find a eye brow stencil at Sally's Beauty Supply.No hair down there, but still on my arms and face, unfortunately I still have the hairs that ingrown and drive me nuts under my chin, and of course the wonderful chin hairs are still there.

    Lori

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    OK-I went swimming on Sunday again and during the course of that outing, while lounging in the pool, I had a "stinging" feeling underneath the edge of my suit on the back, around both left & right edges-in other words kinda in the bra strap region-I actually had my friend look because I thought I was being stung by a bee or something.  I don't know for sure if I noticed anything on Monday, but last night it was sort of itching/burning in those areas & I have little red patches-my co-worker thought it almost looks like poison oak, but not blistery, pus-like.  Anyone have any ideas?  It doesn't appear to be anywhere else but of course, since I know it's there I itch everywhere!  It's not poison oak-no exposure & I've never had it in all my 54 years!

    Joni2   

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited July 2009

    Joni2~ See if any of these may be what you have.

      http://chemocare.com/managing/skin_reactions.asp

    I hope you're not in too much discomfort.

    (((hugs)))

    Joni1

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    Joni2, Could it be that maybe you have sun poisoning? or maybe chlorine in the pool aggravated your skin. I never had red patches but my skin became sensitive during chemo.

    Just an idea

    Hugs

    Cool Sheila Cool

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    It's a salt water pool, with just a tad bit of chlorine in it.  Thanks Joni1 & Sheila-I'm scheduled to see onc in the AM before chemo #2 - will have her look at it.

    Joni2

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  • stef58
    stef58 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2009

    Hey everyone, Bald is beautiful. I still have eye brows and lashes. Hair all over the body. Still have chin and leg hair. Had # 3 chemo today, they had to stick me 3 times.I wish I would have a had port put in. But I do not want more surgrey. So will put up with it. Foudn out that they keep putting me a week back each time. So first week of november is the week to get rid of this.  Has anyone been told that hair will come back on Taxotere? Had a friend whose hair came back. Hugs and strength Dianne

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  • eliz46
    eliz46 Member Posts: 71
    edited July 2009

    Stef58 i was told the hair will come back im on taxotere and cyto..i have had my hair cut really short so i can manage the hair leaving nothing is coming out yet. i do the hair pulling like pauldingmom did. ..... i am only 9 days into my first chemo ...wish i was on my 3rd round im feeling good so far not many side affects.... hugs to everyone were all gonna get this over with .....eliz

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  • KarenVW
    KarenVW Member Posts: 92
    edited July 2009

    Hello to all my beautiful Triple J sisters!  I hope you are all hanging in there!!

    I am finally back.  When I last posted, my ex was in a serious car accident on the day I started chemo (7/23).  Since then he was released from the hospital and has been staying at my house recovering while his family is on vacation.  Thankfully my sister and parents have come to help.

    So far my first TC treatment has not been too terribly bad - SEs have been fairly manageable.  Diarreha is the worst.  Really need to watch what I eat.  Taking Prilosec, Immodium, and lots of Tylenol.  How are the rest of the Magnificent 7's doing after their first treatment? 

    It was great to get back on the site and read all the posts, and see how everyone is doing.  Best wishes to all having treatment this week!  PLEASE EVERYONE STAY STRONG!  ATTITUDE IS YOUR BEST MEDICINE!!  And remember, the odds are in our favor that we will overcome this and move on.

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  • mnikityger
    mnikityger Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2009
    Hi all  beautiful Triple J's.  Hope you are having as good as day as possible.  Mine hasn't been the best.  Spent a lot of time in the bathroom, both ends going.  Head is splitting. But all is manageable.  I felt so good until this afternoon and then it is like the bottom feel out.  I just have to keep smiling.  And remember tomorrow is another day and hopefully I will feel better,  Stay Strong all !! 
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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    I'm baaaack!  Chemo was 5 hours! Next time they said it should be a little shorter. Everything went really well, only had two MINOR Side Effects...Mild sinus pressure with Cytoxan and Major case of the Hick-ups about an hour after it was all said and done (lasted about 30 minutes).  

    I drank over 100 oz of fluids today PLUS chomped down three 44oz glasses of crushed ice.  We brought Italian Ices' to snack on and asked the nurse to put in the freezer...they passed out ice cream several times during the day.  First time was Breyers Chocolate Crunch Bars (Tasted so yucky...taste buds are a changing)...the second round of tasty treats were Italian Ices', hubby and I cracked up because of course they were the treats we brought!   The poor nurse felt sooo bad, I told her no problem, I'll bring more treats to share next time...

    I am amazed how tired I feel...could be only 6 hours sleep last night and all the pre chemo running around this am.  Have to wait another ½ hour before crashing for the night because we have ‘family walks' after the sun goes down...It's too HOT in Arizona to walk while the sun is out...

    So happy to have TX #1 under my belt! 

    I did have the neulesta shot today (boy it stings) and am praying for no bone pain...

    Lots of Hugs and well wishes to ALL - Michelle

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  • hopingforacure845
    hopingforacure845 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2009

    Hello ladies!

    mnkityger, so sorry to hear about your awful side effects. I hope they go away soon... I am in awe of your strength and positive attitude. You are unbelievable! Keep smiling!

    Today my mom's counts were much better, so she had treatment #2.... We learned two different pieces of advice today, so I thought I'd share them with you all. The first one seems a little bit obvious but I'd never thought of it before. My mom is on Adriamycin, which has a side effect of mouth sores, so as many of you are, she sucks on ice chips during the 10/15 minutes it is being pushed through her IV line. But since the ice cubes kept melting fast today it was sort of annoying for her, so we decided next time we are bringing popsicles! Will help with the taste in her mouth, hopefully prevent mouth sores, and are just much more fun than ice chips.. She will feel like a kid again! Just thought I'd share...

    Secondly, nurse practitioner told us about some studies showing that women with good vitamin D levels had a reduced risk of recurrance... so she ordered a vitamin D test on my mom's blood to see what level it is at and will give her super vitamin D supplements if needed. (Since vitamin D is stored in fat, you are good for a while when you have enough, unlike vitamins B and C) Most women only have about 20-30% of what they should have, she said, and if it will reduce my mom's risk of recurrance, I'm all for it. It might be worth asking your onc's about...

    I know there's a lot to think about and a lot on everyone's plates but I just thought that might help.
    Good luck to all!

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Step- I was told that Yep hair comes back on Tax. In fact mine is trying to come back in between treatments but was told it wouldn't last and I can keep shaving it if it is itchy. 

    Eph3_12- I have little blisters popping up mostly on my hand. Nurse told me that it was a good sign that my body was absorbing and the Taxotere well. Don't get that but any good news I will take. She said over the counter anti itch cream and benedryl would help as mine were kinda like hive/blisters.

    Ya all have a great day. Gonna check on my mom shortly and make sure she is doing well. 

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  • LindaSueH
    LindaSueH Member Posts: 70
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies...

    Had my second AC yesterday..this one took 5 hours...couldn't get a good vein...it was a nightmare!!!!  Still had alot of nausea and headaches last night, but today SE seem much better,  The nasty taste I had last time, hasn't come yet...maybe it won't this time!  I hope everyone else is feeling good today!  Smile

    Love and hugs,

    Linda

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2009

    Leaving in about a half hour for T/C treatment 2.  Itchies seem better today, but I will still have onc look.  Daughter's cat just used me as a launch pad from my lap-have 3 gouges in my thigh--hurts like hell, gotta go clean it up.  Everybody have a good day.  Joni2 

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  • ssimmons66
    ssimmons66 Member Posts: 51
    edited July 2009

    Hey all

    Well day 15 after first tx and hair is starting to fall out......Oh well it is only hair not like I am loosing a arm or leg right!!!! But still a little emotional!

    Hopingfor- I work for an OBGYN and he is big on the Vitamin D thing.  He has been doing research on it and swears it plays a big part on recurrance. When I had mine tested it was low....So EVERYONE please check this out, because we need all the help we can get for us not to go thru this again

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    Hi ssimmons66,

    I am very much interested about Vitamin D. I take Caltrate600+D 2 tablets a day with meals.

    That equals 800IU a day which is according the label its 200%.

    I was wondering if I need super mega doses to get the benefits??

    I am 58 years old and also on Femara for 3 years now.

    Thanks

    Smile Sheila Smile

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  • o2bhealthy
    o2bhealthy Member Posts: 2,101
    edited July 2009

    Morning Triple J's!  I was up at least once an hour last night going to the bathroom...lost 9 lbs in water weight and my legs no longer look like tree trunks but boy am I tired!!! 

    Feeling pretty good today, so far no SE's...took morning meds and now have to get ready to register my son for his freshman HS classes starting next week! The fun never ends...

    Lots of Hugs and well wishes!

    Michelle

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  • jacee
    jacee Member Posts: 1,384
    edited July 2009

    Michelle~ sorry to hear you were up all night, but how nice to lose all that the first night. I did the same thing...gained 9.5 in 7 hours, lost 8.5 overnight. Good job kidneys, huh?? Hope  you get caught up on rest, and continue with no SE's.

    I'm finally starting to feel normal again, with only SE being the whole taste thing going on in my mouth. Thought the hair was starting to go, but nothing the past 4 days. Not that I'm wanting it to hurry up. I'm on Day 11, first TX. Anxious to see what blood count will be on Monday's onc visit.

    OK, I'm starting to freak out about this whole swine flu thing! What a time to be starting chemo. I WILL be asking onc about what to do. I've never been fond of immunizations and tried to stay away from them and just let my body fight off whatever and have been pretty fortunate so far. Now what??? Anyone else concerned?

    Joni1

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited July 2009

    Joni1-- I feel the same way about immunizations and i never got a flu shot until my DX.

    I was in a state when they told me i needed 1, didn't say no. Most primary DC's ( at least in my case BC or not they want you to have it. Ask your doctor if regular flu shot will be enough and take it from there.

    Good Luck

    Cool Sheila Cool

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  • LovingLifeToday
    LovingLifeToday Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2009

    I'm day 11 too of first TX, hair still in there tight... I'm not looking forward to loosing it at all!!!  When is does start falling out I'm going to let my 17 year old daughter shave it. My son is in the Army and I will probably let him watch over the web cam... his hair will be longer than mine!! LOL

    I got my results from my blood work... WBC very low, 1.7 and my neutrophil is severely low only 423. I have to take my temp a few times a day. No fresh veggies or flowers for me.... so yes I also worry about the flu too. I'm a photographer and I mostly photograph little children and now I can't be around them. I know my count will go up and down but I don't know if up will be enough to go into preschools and work. So I had to let my schools know I will not be able to do fall shoots so they could find someone else... but they DO want me back for the spring!! Yippee!! Laughing At least I won't have to start all over again come spring time.  

    I hope everyone is doing well today. Stay strong!!

    Elizabeth~LovingLifeToday

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  • ssimmons66
    ssimmons66 Member Posts: 51
    edited July 2009

    SEYLA-

    I believe the daily recommendation is 2000 IU for the Vitamin D.  After he was telling me all about it i looked it up online and there are a lot of studies talking about it. I will see if I can find some of the websites for you.  GOD BLESS

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  • PauldingMom
    PauldingMom Member Posts: 927
    edited July 2009

    Ugh, had a huge post and then it just disappeared. Check out this web site for information on the Swine Flu Vaccine and cancer patients. 

     http://mervsheppardblogspot.com/2009/07/swine-flu-and-immunosuppression.html

    still left me with more questions than answers. 

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited July 2009

    Hello Js. What a lot of posts! First tx day 8 and so much better than yesterday (My only yukky day). I went and got a proactive really short haircut  - my hairdresser describes it as a "sassy" cut and then had lunch with a friend.

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