Chemo Starting Sep 09
Comments
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Hi September Outstanding Sisters -
I feel outstanding today ! My poor little scalp is so much better - not so sore ! It sure feels wierd and gets very chilly but when the hair fell into my precious coffee yesterday morning that was it ! OK - I dont want to talk about me anymore....
Neece- thanks so much for the smooth look comment and the smile. Havent shed a tear yet. Might not ! You cut yours after it fell in your tea - thought we had alot in common right there:) How is the arm? Massage still seemed to have helped? Take care.
Barbara- Love ya girl, thanks for the nice compliments. Loved our PM's.You are also beautiful inside and out ! And now I know Im not bumpy on the top
Take CareAmy- I am so relieved your appt went well. I agree about the NP's (love them but sometimes...) You slept? Yeah ! I think I need to check into this Restoril. My valium lets me sleep 2-3 hrs then Im up and sometimes I dont remember doing things in the night. Yikes. Keep feeling better.
Jane- I hope you are feeling better. Please know I am thinking of you.
Mary- my dear friend from way back... you are on my mind. Thank you!
Pamela- WHOOT !! WHISTLE !! Yeah for me, and you ! Take care, girl. BTW, I may drive my family out w/ my hehemmm........ toots....
flacracker- Keep feeling better and I am thinking of you. So nice to hear you have family support. My DH and DD are my pillar's of strength.
Melinda- Sorry bout the HA's. Amy may have a great idea w/ the Claritin. Heard many of the gals get HA's like your'e describing and it works awesome ! Hats off to your Restoril and yup its cold brrrrrrr......here in old Billings, Montana.
Vickilynn, Mari, China, Catherine, Dogsaver, Susan, RonnieKay, Vicki, Delaine and Bettye- Thinking of you all !
PS Did I get everyone even w/o my hair (so sorry if I didnt) I can use my "No Hair Get Outta Jail Free" card.
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Hello all of you lovely SOS gals,
I have been super busy this week, and just got a chance to read all of your posts of the last few days. I am in no way able to respond to all that I have missed, so I am sorry.
But here area a few thoughts,
Vickilynn, I am so glad your fitting went well, and you are happy with the results. I voted for Kemo as much as I could. She is a doll baby. Have fun with her when you get her home.
Amy, I hope all is getting better. I am glad you got some answers finally.
Melinda, I hope you feel better soon.
Pamelajo, you have the most amazing posts. I really appreciate all you have to say.
Toni, you go girl! I'm joining the "club" today.
Neece, I hope all is good down-under, and like I said I am joining the "bald is beautiful" club, I am glad to be in such good company.
RonnieKaye, I am in awe of your energy. When I took the Decadron before my last chemo, I still slept like a baby, and my house really needs me to have some energy to just get it to the point of being dirty. Can I borrow what your using?
Jane, I'm sorry to hear about the gas, it is really annoying. But you gotta admit, kindda funny. I have had more or less Pamelajo's problem, so I can relate.
Catherine, I am keeping positive thoughts, you really make me think about that when you post it, thank you. I hope all is well with you.
Chinablue, I am with you on the enjoy life front! I am all about living for the moment, and spending time with my family and friends.
I know I missed some of you and I am sorry. This week has been kid crazy, with lots of activities that are just too precious to me to miss. But, it has left me with no brain for details, and less energy to post. I feel like I am burning the candle at both ends, and I am really sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night. So I am doing the things that I would be sad if I missed, and I am letting the rest go. Except work, that I have to do. I am sure that is why, I am so tired. I may not be able to keep up the 40 hour work week through the whole chemo thing. Yesterday, my hair started coming out in clumps. I'm not shedding as I go through the day, but if I run my hand through it it is coming out in handfuls. I took my husband on a "hot" date. I did dress up in a sexy top, but we just went to Chili's for dinner. Then we went for a walk, and talked. He suggested that I just go to his barber to get my hair shaved. I never thought of going there, but he is a really nice guy, and I've taken my son there many times. His shop is really old fashioned and cool, and I never ever thought I would have a chance to sit in one of the cool old chairs, but today that is just what I am going to do. My DH will go with me, and the deed will be done. I have lots of hats, and scarves, and one ugly wig, I am sure I will be fine.
Hope all is well with you! Oh BTW, my Race team has raised over $1000.00 now. Donations just keep flowing in. I work for a non-profit, so fund-raising is in my blood. I've just never done it for something so personal before.
Love, and Hugs,
Susan
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Hi Everyone
Today is Day 5 post first T/C for me - up until last night I have been feeling quite well. I've done a fair bit of walking and doing my usual routine. Last night, though, I started having aches and pains that kept me awake. Felt quite sorry for myself but then I started reading your posts and decided I better "cowgirl up" too. Going to get some Claritin to take for the bone pain. It is not just for after the Neulasta shot, right because I have not had that particular pleasure yet.
Thanks for sharing your stories, they have pulled me out of my "feeling very sorry for myself"place for a while anyway. I say this every time I post but I am so grateful for this forum.
Still feeling sick inside about losing my hair. I did buy a wig but worry that it looks a little like road kill plopped on top of my head.
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See this thread about Clinical Trial ECOG 5103 involving the use of Avastin. http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/73/topic/740968?page=1#idx_5
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Hello SOSisters...thank you for all your encouraging words, feeling better today. Boy, this stuff sucks!
Toni - so glad you are having an outstanding day. Another step out of the way! I would love to sit and have a cup of tea and talk of things not related to this journey!
Amy - glad your treatment went well. I learned the hard way but will now speak up about the side effects. I pretty sure I wouldn't have been so bad if I had of said something. Did they give you anything for the night sweats?
Pamelajo - thank you! I loved your reply to my burping and just cracked up! Burping is good! We have a Maltese who can get your attention so I know exactly what you were saying! Thank you so much for sharing.
Melinda- hope the tennis went well. I can relate to the trying not to cry - I do most of my crying in the shower. I have always been the "strong" one - I hate for anyone to see how this thing is getting to me.
Vickilynne - is Kemo home yet? I have noticed that on day 8 while I'm not 100% yet my brain is working so much better!
Neece - I found a big mistake in my checkbook. Not sure if I would have paid any attention if not for your post! Fortunately it was easily corrected. I was also rather shocked to find that most of my hair was gray. I have been getting my covered up for a long time!
ChinaBlue- I couldn't agree more - it is all about enjoying each and every moment. What was the reaction to your wig when you went out? I bet it was so much better than you expected!
Susan- how I admire your strength right now. You sound so busy and I'm having such a time working and you are doing it all! Did you get to the barber? What a good idea!
RonnieKay- hope all is well with you. I've been wondering if you still have all that energy. So enjoyed reading your post! Aren't grandchildren wonderful? My grandaughter turns 12 tomorrow, the time flies.
Delanie - day 5 & 6 just kicked my butt. Sounds like you are doing really well and have a wonderful support system. Hang in there, you will do great. It is quite all right to be sad, blue, angry or anyway you want to feel. We are all there, know exactly what you are going through.
BarbAnne- been thinking of you. Hope your tests went well. I'm am so sorry you have to wait for all the results. Hope that you have plenty to keep you busy until you can talk with the onc. Isn't waiting the hardest? It just doesn't go away.
Mari, Catherine, DogSaver, Flacraacker, Vicky, Bettye - hope all is well with each of you and you are having a great weekend!
Take care all and know that I am thinking of all of you! Thoughts & prayers are with you!
Jane
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Jane,
Yes, she told me to premedicate with Advil PM. I haven't tried it yet cuz they should kick in about Sunday night. I'll keep you posted.
Amy
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Hey Sisters! You probably all feel the same way about these posts... I laugh and cry and nod in agreement. You all help me make it through the day!
Kemo (for anyone new, she's a tiny puppy who is helping me through chemo, thus the name) came to live with us yesterday! It was my husband's birthday and the whole family came and we went out to Olive Garden (yum!) and Kemo got to stay her first night last night. She is so sweet (except at 3 in the morning --- but she did go back to sleep after I comforted her) and even slept in her own bed (most of the night). She does her job of therapy - keeping my mind and time busy. She's so tiny you can't just set her down because she'd be too easy to step on! Right now she's napping. Earlier I tried to write and she just wanted to bite the computer. My son and DIL started a website about Kemo and my photo is there with Kemo. Check it out and sign the guest book! You can see my favorite hat. : ) http://www.lewistoncommunitychurch.org/kemocares/index.html
I bought a wig yesterday and like some of you others, was surprised when my husband picked out a gray wig that he said matched my hair!!! I hadn't ever colored by hair, but in my mind and in my mirror, it was still blond (with a touch of white - but not gray!). When the woman confirmed that it matched what few strands of hair I have, I had a hard time dealing with that! The good news is, the style was almost identical to what I've had in the past, so that was good. My husband didn't quite understand my feelings about buying a gray wig, but I did buy it. It's synthetic and still sitting on the stand. But I'll get brave and wear it one of these days. It's nice to have options, but I like my hats. If you can't afford a wig, American Cancer Society will help you out by reimbursing you $70 (which doesn't cover the whole cost of the wig, but it helps). Call them for info.
I do have a memory of going to a barber shop for a haircut when I was 5. I thought it was strange, but you're right about their great barber chairs! Oh. And my 31 year old son hadn't seen me since the buzz which is now more like 90% bald, and he said, "Hey Mom! you can really pull that off!" I thought that was a nice compliment from him and even went outside without hat or hair or scarf for nearly an hour today in the front yard and nobody called the cops. That's a good sign, right?
You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
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Vickilynne - what a beautiful picture of both you and Kemo! You go girl.
Jane
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VickiLynn- That photo of you and Kemo is just precious. You are rocking that hat. I am glad you are feeling well; I hope your hubby is doing better. I keep voting for Kemo every day and will sign your guest book in a bit.
Toni- Love ya too girl. Thanks for the PMs. I am glad you are doing the clean look and loving it.
Jane- Thank you for the thoughts. My tests went well, as far as I know, but now the wait. It is horrible isn't it? I have work and housework to keep me busy, not to mention a teenage daughter, so that should help. I will post my onc's decision next Friday. Thank you for thinking of me. I am glad you are making it through, hope you are having a good day.
Susan- Lordy girl you are busy busy. I hope you have a great haircut, and enjoy the barber chair-does he have one of those spinning red and white or blue and white things outside his shop too? How authentic. Enjoys those walks with your hubby I had one last night, with my hubby, it really felt like a treat to just chat in the great outdoors about whatever. Take Care I am thinking of you.
Amy- I am sooo glad you have a plan of action, keep us posted on how it works for you. Really no one should have to suffer.
Delaine- I am glad you are feeling well, but bone pain sucks. Let us know if the Claritin helps.
Pamela- Has anyone ever told you that you were the life of the party? Cowgirl up and tequila, heck yes. If I still could have alcohol I think that is what I would want. Thank you for the great comments.
Puffins- Welcome to the group
Melinda, Neece, Mari, Catherine, DogSaver, Flacraacker, Vicky, Bettye-hope you are well and hanging in there.
Take Care all of you positive vibes from Michigan
Barbara
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Nice picture VickyLynn and Kemo.
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Jadams...funny story about the guitar playing....I can picture it....
Amyooo... Thanks for the clariton tip... I've tried that, sudafed, tylenol, advil, motrin to no avail....finally after much searching on the boards...someone mentioned aleve....and I have been headache free now for almost 24 hours. Hooray!...I usually only took aleve when I had back or muscle pains....never thought to try it! I feel like a different person...even my husband noticed my face wasn't all scrunched up in pain 10 minutes after I tried it.
So....just a reminder to everyone....please share what's working for you whether its food that's heping, drinks, meds, home excercises, ways to rid the stress and on and on....with all this foggy forgetful brain problems we endure, every tip will help someone, even if it's been said before. Every tip gives us all food for thought and could help someone battling with a nagging problem. (no matter how small!)
So today I start back to a heavier water intake and eating all my fav foods, cause tomorrow is #2...and then I'm half way!
VickiLynn I could just hug you and Kemo...Reading your posts, I knew how wonderful you are and putting your joyous face with it makes the picture complete! Thanks for posting!
Denver Diva...great idea on the hot date....our anniversary was yesterday and I woke up in the morning and for some reason I just remembered it...turns out my husband didn't remember either and we had a good laugh over it....just so much going on these days with both of us....so we will go out for our Anniversary dinner next week after my tastebuds come back. I had a dinner party planned last nite and our daughter was home from college...no time today with my HS daughters' Honor society dinner induction and son's football game. Life is so crazy in the fall!
Ok....here's a tip for you all...the fresh new crop of pressed apple cider is in all the markets and is so tasty....stock your fridge cause it tastes good just like the apple sauce through the first 4-5 days and isn't water for a change. :-)
Enjoy the beautiful day (raining here) still nice though!
Melinda
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Hello
I just wanted to ask if anyone has little red pimples in their mouth. I have them and bee using salt water rinse, it seems like it helps but is there any thing else?? It also feels like it is on my lips too!! Other that I still feeling strong!!! I went to the 22nd Annual Breast Cancer Ed conference in Tampa, Fl. I had a great time and found out some great information and alot of good speakers!
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Flacracker...none in my mouth but just started to get them under my chin??? what's with that? maybe the beginning of hair loss??? ...if you haven't tried it maybe the biotene mouthwash or baking soda/salt/water rinse....I'm sure someone else will post better thoughts on it who have encountered...also if not gone by tomorrow call the Onc...I'm sure they will have some remedies!
What did you learn at the conference....what stood out to you?? Curious..
Good Luck!
Melinda
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Dear Flacracker, these sound like mouth sores. I'd try biotene mouthwash, baking soda/salt/water rinse or ask your onco to give you "magic mouthwash". They would write in ingredients that you need and a pharmacist would mix them for you.
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Hi all,
I did go to the barber shop, and I did get to sit in the cool old barber chair, and yes he has a red, white, and blue barber pole, plus a lot of other cool old fashioned barber stuff. There were even a bunch of old guys shooting the breeze, waiting to get their hair cuts. The only problem with the whole thing was I think it was harder on the barber than it was on me. It was actually a gal who has worked there forever, but she had a really hard time taking it down to almost nothing. I felt bad for her, but we worked through it together, and my husband stayed right with me. I shed a tear or two, and I think the barber did too. But in the end it turned out just the way I wanted it, and we were all happy when I put my pink "Fight like a girl" hat on. The rest of the day was spent being kid busy. We had a chance to see the band play through the show, and they sounded and looked great. They have their first competition on Tues. I went out and about in the pink hat, and then changed to a rather dramatic purple scarf for church. I got a few looks form people, but I figure it is their problem not mine. I did get a "God bless you" from the priest, instead of the usual 'have a good week".
Melinda, you sound just as busy as me if not more. I hope you have an easy time with this next tx. Mine is on Fri, so I will be thinking of you. Thank you for the apple cider idea. Good idea to wait a while post chemo for the anniversary date.
Amy, I hope all is going better. How long do you have before your next tx?
Vickilynn, I love the picture! Oh my goodness, that kemo baby is fun. I also ended up with a gray wig. I had chosen a brown one from the American Cancer Society. Here they have a little shop at the different hospitals and they give it to you for free. Any way the brown while I thought it would be fun, made me uncomfortable. I went back and they let me exchange it for a different one and I picked the gray one because it matched me better. I hate being gray at 45, but I am and I just have to rock it. It is still in the bag and I don't know how much I will wear it. It just doesn't appeal to me much.
Okay everyone. I am running late so I will have to come back later to post to everyone else, but know that I love you all like sisters, and I am praying for you. One of these days we need to have a virtual tea party!
Hugs,
Susan
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Barbara: I'm a goofball. I think I was born laughing at myself.
Flacracker: I have a few "sores" in my mouth. I've been swishing salt water. It helps, but I'm wondering why eating green olives wouldn't do the same thing. I like them better. My Onc said not to use mouthwash with alcohol for a week before treatment. I'm going to try to find a different toothpaste. My "paste" tastes bad now, and since my first treatment, my teeth feel all hairy. It's gross.
Great pic Vicki~ Such a cute little doggie and I LOVE that hat!
Well, I hope everyone else has a stellar Sunday. I'd mention you all but I have a bad case of Cant Remember Sh*t lately. I am going to ignore it, because if I ignore it it doesn't exist. Much like the dirty dishes, dust bunnies and mouthy teenagers.
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Oh Pamela, you crack me up...I too have a major case of CRS!!! So forgive me ladies for not being able to mention you all seperately...I am thinking of you all and wishing you well.
My headaches have been off and on but definitely better than last week. I found that getting into a funky yoga pose fetal position on my knees...(no idea what it's called) but get on your knees and then stretch down with your forehead on a pillow (or bag of ice in my case) and that seems to help, I usually get my daughter to climb up and rock on my back which seems to stretch everything out and feel good. It must be from sinus pressure as my nose instantly get's all gunked up on the side where the headache is, and then I can just blow the headache away!!! Wierd. I'm so not a yoga gal but whatever works...drugs weren't touching them!
As you can see by my pic...I'm now a baldy too!!! I was starting to think with my thick hair that I wouldn't lose it too badly but after going to sleep with hair and the next day leaving it all in the sink...it was Buzz day for sure! Had some good friends around, a few glasses of Vino, dressed in my most Glam ball gown and away we went! Then went out to our local cocktail bar lookin like a hoodlum! I must say it is pretty liberating...and getting ready....5 Minutes! Brilliant! Let's wear it proud ladies!!!
We're gearing up for round 2 on Thursday and making the most of our week. Thinking of you all and sending huge hugs and warmth from across the pond.
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Thanks for the information I will try anything that might works! And I will call my onc tommorow .At the conference one thing that really stood out was Vitiam D lack of mihgt be link to breast cancer. Just talking to others that have gone or is going through was a great learning tool!!
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Hello SOSisters.... I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday. My daughter and grandkids just left, we had gone out for my grandaughter"s birthday lunch with cake, ice cream and gifts here What a pleasure just to enjoy family and forget about this nasty BC for awhile!
Flacracker - I had also heard about the Vitamin D. Mine was so low last year that put me on 20,000 units for several weeks until it came back up. Makes you wonder!
I am not going to try to type to everyone today altho I'm feeling better than yesterday. Thanks for all your thoughts, know that I'm thinking about all of you! Keep positive! I only have Herceptin this week but for those of you with your next treatment, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jane
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Mouth sores: I have a terrible problem with them. Tiny red and white blisters that get big and very sore and make eating and sleeping and life quite uncomfortable. I went in and had the NP look at them when they were bad, because by the time I was ready for my next treatment, they were gone. She prescribed an expensive mouth rinse that worked. It's got lidocaine in it and your mouth feels all numb like when you go to the dentist... only lasts about an hour, but it allowed me to go to sleep and to survive until the pills kicked in. I also took Valtrex - 2 pills for 1 day - and it helped eliminate most of the sores. They are like cancor sores. The salt water rinse helps (try adding a bit of baking soda) for temporary relief and so does, strangely enough, brushing your teeth about 8 times a day. I'm using sensodyne toothpaste and something in there helps soothe the blisters.
Also - certain spices make it worse - even too much salt. I stopped salted things - because it seemed to irritate the blisters. Garlic's a bad one too.
Favorite Hat: Bought it at Target and I love it. Easy to pop off and on, and the back comes down low enough to cover the back of the bald head.
Speaking of Bald Heads: There are many of us now, aren't there? MamaMari, if we looked like you we should all run around bald!! I have sort of a Charlie Brown round head but at 57 I look more like punk gone bad.
Funny Tastes: Anyone else having trouble eating some of their favorite foods?? My tastebuds are in revolt. I couldn't even eat a piece of chocolate cake the other day for hubbie's bday! Took one bite and wanted to spit it out. The talk of apple cider - sounds so good - but I can't eat applesauce these days (which was a near-daily breakfast item for me), and my husband made me a baked apple the other day and I couldn't eat it!!
My taste buds say, eat unsalted scrambled eggs and untopped baked potatoes, but my heart is longing for a chimichunga from Chevy's!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month It never seemed so personal before. In the past I would pick up the bags with the goodies in it, read a bit, throw things away, and just go on with life...
Hope you're all enjoying your Sunday (or those in Australia, your Monday?). Kemo's taking her Sunday puppy nap...
VickiLynn
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Hello SOSisters - Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was lazy but very comfortable. So girls, are we just using some mild shampoo and conditioner on our beautiful heads? I know no sunlight and I know my head gets awfully chilly easy - although Im not walking around naked ! Tips? Im feeling good today and need some energy to get some cleaning done for company. Send me some? Or just come over? Housework group? Susan, I think you are my closest!Mari - you sexy thing you. Loved the gown and bar story. I did notice everyone stares at me now. I guess Ill paint a perma-grin on so I can smile back in case I miss anyone
Youre getting close to half done!flacracker- Thanks for sharing conference. Im w/ Jane - Vit D level was sooo low. Score should be around 40 (?) 0r higher? Mine was 22. Hhhhhh...Scary. Thanks for attending the conference. Hope bumps are better. All tips you got were great - one more thing I was told was...make sure you rinse w/ home mixture or biotene or whatever youre using --- After each time you eat, snack, ect. Keeps acidic levels and PH levels normal in mouth.
Jane - So nice to spend time w/ family. My grandson would have turned 2 in March next year and we sure miss him. (killed due to car accident) Our daughters smiling face reminds us how lucky we are to still have her. Hope you are not to pooped after the weekend --- but hey, worth every minute.
vickilynn - Again, hats off to you and Kemo. Wish I had trouble eating. Thats one thing that hasnt bothered me darnit. Now perfume smells...Ughhh. BTW..Keep your fingers crossed for me...I hear it may rain. YIKES!!
Pamela - CSR? Heck - my whole life! Just imagine now! Your teeth feel hairy? My daughter uses that one ! Funny... well, not really in our situation. Did you see everyone loved your "Cowgirl Up" ?
Susan - Bless your sweet heart. Sorry you had to join the "club" Does it feel better? OMG mine did immediately. The whole Barber Chair and all brought tears to my eyes for you. You are so strong. You run circles around everyone, constantly busy, fund raising, care of kids, working....please try to take care of you just a "wittow" bit more. Just 15min for a cup of tea and a stare out the window. I admire you. I love gray hair, always have. You wear it and ......Rock It!
Barbara - Hope you are well and I am thinking of you.
Melinda- Thanks for mentioning to everyone about sharing tips and asking about the conference. I was floored to hear the Vit D deficiency again. Hey, your "belated" anniversay day is coming up! Skin bumps can be caused by both taxotere and cytoxin I was told. Can look like acne even. I sprayed a little benadryl on my fingers and rubbed on the side of my face...dried up in 1-2 days.Glad HA's are better and good luck w/ TX today.
delaine- Did you get the road kill off your head? Or was it really your wig? Do any of you remember Joan Jett? My BIL told me I look like her in my wig! I actually just love bandanas.
Neece- Hope you are well today. Thinking of you.
Good thoughts and prayers to each and everyone of you I didnt mention but am forever thinking of. ALL TX GIRLS THIS WEEK - ROCK ON !!
((hugs))
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Toni: I saw it
It's a standard in my repetoire. That and "pull up my big girl panties". Feel free to use it when necessary. I usually direct it at whiney teenagers.Hope everyone is having a swell SE free day. If you aren't, I'm praying they are mild and tomorrow is better for you. Sleep, eat well, drink lots, smile and have some fun even if it's just cloud watching.
Going for #2 on Thursday. My Army BBQ is Thursday afternoon and my 20th class reunion dinner is that night. Hoping I don't have to miss either.
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When my husband was having a fit because I couldn't schedule an appointment for my first tx that he could make, I told the nurse that he could just "wear his big boy pants and get over it!" She laughed out loud. I am at work, and it was a busy, but good weekend. This weeks fund raiser for Race is "Cookies for the Cure". I got store bought sugar cookies and decorated them with pink and white icing and then added the bc ribbon in pink M&M's. They are super cute, and should sell well at hubby's work.
I am doing my best to rock my bald head, and my cute hats. So far so good. I am ready to have my hubby just shave it all off. The fuzz is shedding everywhere. Thank God for lint rollers. What a great grooming tool.
I got to go now, but I will post more to all of you later.
Hugs,
Susan
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Hello my SOS friends!
Just got back from acupuncture before my first chemo tomorrow. Thanks to your suggestions, I have my chemo bag packed, am drinking lots of fluids, and to quote someone earlier on another thread, "I'm the calmest scared person" I can manage at this time. No, really, I think I'm feeling much less anxious after hearing of your challenges and successes! Thank You to each of you! You're my Heroines!
I got an interesting tip from my NP today...He read a study where chemo patients had a lot of success using the Sea-Band (usually for seasickness) for chemo nausea. It seems that it activates the same chi meridian for both and allagedly works well for many folks. I bought one to try out. Anything that's not more drugs would be great, but I'll also keep the drugs handy!
Hugs and blessings to All,
Shoshanna :-)
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For nausea, try ginger also.
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hey SOS siters,
What cool new pics of beautiful bald heads and new hats! I am so impressed. Mine is now down to 'absolute minimum' and looks a bit like a short haried dog with mange - all patchy and red in some places. Great. it is also sore as all getout! However I am massaging bio -oil every day, using a beautiful gentle natural shampoo, and trying out a new hat or scarf every day. The thing I hate is that I really notice these funny little lines, just above the corners of my eyebrows, that I had never seen before - and the tops of my ears look pointed to me (like a Vulcan's!!!)
Went to 'Look Good Feel better' yesterday and had a ball! I got to be the 'model' that they used to demonstrate everything on, so by the end of the 2 hours I had a professional skin care /makeup routine done. I am not normally a makeup wearer (apart from a bit of lippy) and it was astounding to me what a difference it made. I walked out feeling (and looking) better than when I walked in. As I am sure we all know, that just does not happen with most appointments we are involved with lately!!! Also came home with some beautiful products that I am having fun trying out at home.
Hey Pameljo and Mamamar, we are all doing round 2 on Thursday!! Good luck to us
And to Puffins, for your first round - hope it goes as well as you could wish. At least after round 1, you will know what SE's if any you will be likely to have and you can get a bit prepared for them.
Toni, thanks for asking about my arm - it is improving, I think thanks to the massage but also I am being really rigorous in doing the stretching exercises 3 - 4 times most days. And I loved your photo.
DenverDiva your barber story was fun.
My birthday is in mid Oct and I am having a 'Mad Hatters tea Party' (morning tea) to celebrate, with an Alice in Wonderland theme. I figure this bc journey is as crazy as Alice's trip down the rabbit hole. Everyone has to wear a hat, scarf or bandana in honour of those of us with less hair than usual. I am asking for no presents but people can donate to the Australian Breast Cancer network if they wish. I am really looking forward to it. Luckily it is in one of my 'off treatment' weeks so I should be in pretty good shape.
Melinda and Mamamari if you are looking for a non drug way to assist with sinus congestion, oyu might like to try out a "neti pot" or nasal lavage. I bought mine from the pharmac. It is like a mini plastic teapot and comes with sachets of salt / bicarb solution that you mix with lukewarm water. The idea is you pour it through one nostril (with your head tilted) and the fluid comes out the other nostril, cleansing your nasal and sinus passages in the process.It'san old yoga method apparantly but it seems to wor. Good for allergies, sinus and hayfever problems.
Love and hugs to Amy,unkewifeonty,flacracker,Dleaine,Pamela,Dogsaver, Jane, barbara, Catherine, Vicky, Bettye.
BTW do we know which of us will be first to make it thru to the end of chemo??
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Dear Neece,
I don't know about being first but I'll probably be the last having just started it yesterday. I will be on chemo for 20 weeks.
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Hi all,
I started my chemo last Thursday and I have to say that I am feeling pretty rough at the moment. I have been on one of the other boards 'waiting test results' and one of the ladies there told me how she breezed through chemo and worked a 45 hour week throughout! I can honestly say that aint me! I just feel as if I have flu (without the runny nose etc). I have a metalic taste in my mouth and foods and drinks that I love - like coffee - I just simply cannot stand. I am in England and I am on Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide......anybody else on similar? Please, please tell me I am not a wuss!!
XXXX. Anybody any tips for constipation because I haven't been since chemo even though I feel I want to! I think I am going to explode! XX -
Hi all,
I started my chemo last Thursday and I have to say that I am feeling pretty rough at the moment. I have been on one of the other boards 'waiting test results' and one of the ladies there told me how she breezed through chemo and worked a 45 hour week throughout! I can honestly say that aint me! I just feel as if I have flu (without the runny nose etc). I have a metalic taste in my mouth and foods and drinks that I love - like coffee - I just simply cannot stand. I am in England and I am on Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide......anybody else on similar? Please, please tell me I am not a wuss!!
XXXX. Anybody any tips for constipation because I haven't been since chemo even though I feel I want to! I think I am going to explode! XX -
Hello,
My name is Barb and I just started chemo on September 18th. I am going to have a total of 8 treatments 3 weeks apart. After that I will have surgery. Not sure of the exact name of the chemo I have paperwork at home. I do know that it is referred to as the "red devil".
I did not feel that bad after the treatment just a very dry throat. Drank plenty of water. Had the shot the next day and 24 hours it all hit me. Just felt extremely weak. No appetite. I do work full time and took that Monday off. Last Friday (8 days after chemo) started feeling half way decent. Has anyone had second chemo yet? Wondering if it hits you a lot harder second time. I have had constipation and have been taking Milk of Magnesia and it seems to help somewhat.
Decided to shave my head - actually got a mohwak had to be a little different. Got a wig that I really like for work. I do work full time. Found something that fits under my wig at headcovers.com. It was $25.00 and best way to describe it is a band that is made out of clear gel with velcro. It helps to keep wig off of your head and also helps keep it in place. Really am happy about it. Speaking of wigs, I live in Florida and they sure do get hot. First thing I do is take it off when I get home.
I know that it is going to be a long journey for all of us. It is wonderful that we have each others support. Just take one day at a time.
Barb
Life is good!
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