March 2010 Chemo Start

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  • undecided8
    undecided8 Member Posts: 194
    edited April 2010

    Kayne,

    I understand not being able to drink anything not even water, my 1st round of chemo I experienced that. Try the Prilosec and anything ginger. You don't want to dehydrate. Good Luck!

    Suzanne E.

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  • LillyC
    LillyC Member Posts: 64
    edited April 2010

    Just saw an inspiring video on Fox News website about Jennifer Griffin,a Fox news correspondent, who is battling Triple Negative.  Here's the link if you are interested:

    http://video.foxnews.com/v/4132437/jennifers-journey 

    (Just highlight the above link, do a "ctrl C", open a new tab, do a "ctrl V" and hit enter)  You probably already knew that, but just in case.... 

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited April 2010

    Good evening fellow Marchers!

    Love my garden - Thanks for the tip on the water!  I can't stand the taste but nothing else sounds good.  Maybe the lemon packet will do the trick. With re: to your other question-  I am taking neulasta shots because I'm having treatments every other week. (TC dose dense).  After the first shot (and all those aches!) I asked if I could please discontinue and was politely told "no" if I wanted to stay on the every other week schedule.  Apparently there was no way my blood counts would be high enough to do every chemo other week.  I know that normal is 4.8-10.8 on wbcs but I do not know the "lowest" count that they will allow.  I'm sure it depends on the dr., treatment, etc.

    Elle40 - I hope your absence of SE continues with tx#2! That's awesome that you have not had to miss much work and are feeling good.  I am a runner and very healthy and thought maybe things would be easier for me but quite frankly, this has been a challenge for me. I am counting the days til my last treatment!

    hmh23 & Janice  - Hang in there and don't be afraid to ask your dr. for meds.  My doctor has kindly fulfilled all my drug requests although I admit I haven't asked for a marijuana prescription! I'm guessing he would draw the line there.Wink

    Hugs,

    Charley

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  • llm822
    llm822 Member Posts: 77
    edited April 2010

    This week has been tough for me, both physically and emotionally.  I caught a cold over the weekend so I've been feeling totally drained.  And I really wanted to return to work part-time this week, but because I was sick it just didn't work out.  And the fact that a simple head cold pretty much did me in didn't help my morale at all.  So frustrating.  And this chemo-fog I'm in...  sigh.  Yesterday, when I woke up, it felt like I was still dreaming, and for a split second there was a part of me thought it was ALL a dream: the cancer, the surgeries, the chemo, everything.  Then I remembered and wow, did that suck.  I've been pretty upbeat and positive throughout this journey thus far, but that left me feeling a bit defeated.  Then I made myself go out and be social - lunch with a friend, dinner out with my brother and his family.  That definitely helped.

    Anybody else really surprised by how certain people in their lives are handling this?  My closest friend just isn't coping at all.  She doesn't want to talk about it or hear about it, which is unfortunate for us both.  Tonight I warned her that I'll probably be shaving my head before I see her next and she said didn't know if she would be able to stand that.  I'm excited about shaving my head and actually looking forward to it, which she knows, but still, she says it will make her "very uncomfortable".  I didn't know how to respond to that... I know this is going to sound incredibly selfish, and I'll probably regret it once I click "submit", but there's only so much I can do to help HER feel better.  Oh well.

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  • ThereIsHope
    ThereIsHope Member Posts: 62
    edited April 2010

    Okay... I'm going to jump in and try to communicate with the group I am a part of.  I have felt so much support just from reading all the posts that I want to contribute back.  I am now one day post my first  chemo and feel I have something to add as well from the experience.  Here goes:

    lovemy garden: Thanks fo tthe historical information.  Great stuff!  Also learned from your reports on WBC that i should be paying attention to my report they just gave me.  I'll understand it better because of your sharing your information! 

    barb_k: Wow! You sure got blasted with SE's on day 6.  I am clearly not out of the woods being on only Day 2.  Thanks for the "heads up" and hope you are now on the upswing to feeling like your pre-chemo self.

    Kayne: So sorry about your headaches.  You are probably not wanting to eat because they are like migraines that can make you so sick.  I hope you have told your onco so that they can ease your pain.  Keep us posted!

    teemee:  I hate queezies.  I had zofran during infusion and didn't get sleepy or queezie.  Hope you tell your onco so that he can work on this with you.  I'm sure it is a common SE.  You need to eat and feel better!

     hereandnow: Hey! We are just getting over snow here in Ohio!  Daffodils are popping up,though.  Enjoy your growing season.  We will soon be joining you!

     hmh23: Zofran was great for me, too.  Also chlonozapam (sp?) works great for me at bed time.  One pill and I sleep through the night and am not groggy in the morning.  Check it out!

    JLLG: I agree that decadron has been my only SE so far.  Hot flashes for sure!  Redness on my chest and face, too.  But I'm done with this round until next infusion.  Question:  what day did your hair begin to fall out?  I'm just wondering what to expect.

    MelB: You go with comfort, girl!  I have two wigs and am nearly certain I'm going the scarf route whenever possible.  I don't work outside the home, but church will be an issue for me.  Some scarves are so cute under straw hats.  I might try that!  I just finishes TX1, so my best to you on TX2.  Let us know how it goes.

     Well this was my initial effort to get in touch with as many as I could.  Hope we all sleep well this night.  You are all on my prayer list.  I have all of you to "March" with and Him standing by my side.  What greater gift could we all have!  (((Hugs))) Karen (ThereIsHope)

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  • ThereIsHope
    ThereIsHope Member Posts: 62
    edited April 2010
    And, frosty1... Thank you for keeping up with the treatment calendar.  Great job and so helpful!  It has made our group of Marchers keep "in step" with one another!  Karen (ThereIsHope)
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  • LillyC
    LillyC Member Posts: 64
    edited April 2010
    ThereIsHope:  I am on the same chemo as you.  I started mine on the 17th and have my next treatment next Wednesday.  My hair started falling out yesterday.  I would run my fingers through my hair and have a few strands in my hand.  Today, they were quite a few more strands in my hand after running my hand through my hair.  My hair was very thick, so I still have a lot, but I'm anticipating needing my wig by the weekend. Like you, I anticipate wearing the wig for church. Otherwise, I will wear three-seam turbans that I bought from Headcovers.com.  They don't look bad, are comfortable and will hopefully be cool in hot weather.  My other side effects have been minimal.  Wishing you the best and praying for all.
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  • sandiek9
    sandiek9 Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2010

    Hello Marchers,

    I had my second treatment of Adriamycin and Cytoxan today, along with a shot of Neulasta. I'm feeling okay, waiting for the jitters of steroids to kick in. I'm going to try taking an Ambien for sleep and see if I can bypass the sleepless night. I'm hoping everyone here will aslo get a good night's sleep.

     llm822: I understand you friend-dilemma. Some people just can't do illness. It's never been clear to me why (fear?), but we have to accept that there will be friends who can't be supportive. On the other hand, we find there are many people out there who will support you - including everyone on this forum. When I had my head shaved my stylist used a wax room for privacy and I invited my special people and we had champagne. Maybe you could invite your reluctant friend to share something similar with you. It may give her a chance to participate - some people need a role to play. Or maybe she has a talent she can offer you without having to face her uncomfortable-ness. It does seem like we spend a lot of time making others feel better/ more comfortable about out illness! If she can't participate in your current life, try not to internalize it. It's about her, not you. Don't let expectations you may have affect you - you need positive, supportive people around you, so move forward towards the support that is out there for you.

    Good night, all!

    xxoo Sandie 

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  • EZH
    EZH Member Posts: 48
    edited April 2010

    MelB:  I am so right there with you and your hating of the wig.  It was so "important" to me to have the wig all ready and it was how I was going to deal with the whole no-hair issue.  I bought a beautiful wig, it matched my pre-chemo 1" cut...its' all that.  I wore it, after the trauma of rubbing my hair off, to a PTA meeting.  I hated it.  Ladies (not friends) telling me my hair looked good?  I had no idea how to respond to that?  I live in a small town and everyone pretty much knows everyones business, particularly "cancer", oh my!! So, I couldn't tell if these ladies knew I was wearing a wig? I felt ridiculous.  Made one more attempt with the wig, the next day.  Took my girls ( 10 and 13 yrs.) to Target.  My head was sweating, I had a headache...it was all I could do to keep that thing on until we got home.  Like you, I feel like I'm in a costume, it feels not right.  I'm pretty much going to be done with that wig.  Baseball caps (soft lady ones) with wide soft headband under (over ears and nape of neck, you've seen this look?) is really so much better for me.  I went out, all over town, with a cap on today...so much better.  Someone even said "wow, you can pull off bald".  I'll take the compliment!  Ditch the wig!!! 

    To all that can't sleep:  me either!  

    Julia257: thanks for your concern (a few days back)...if eating a turkey would help...I like JLLG's comment on trying marijuanna?  Just kidding? lol.

    Frosty1:  Agree, hot flashes, just another aspect of the fun.  I had my ovaries removed (same time  as my breasts) so, I will only get this pleasure once!

    To everyone:  wishing you a very good day.  Be well.  To those of you going to "the chair", I wish for you an easy time.

     

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  • Julia257
    Julia257 Member Posts: 284
    edited April 2010
    Hmh23, hi H and Teemee, I take a daily electrolyte drink and it helps a great deal.  Hi JLLG, suggesting a sugar free candy when you're not eating/drinking to tweak saliva.  Hereandnow, g'day, so lovely to hear about your garden, thank you for the heads up on nexium.  Hey Lovemygarden, so glad it went smoothly this time, your proactive approach is working, keep up the good work.  If I may ask, what was the diet tweaking?  My rbc was still at 3.9, wbc 1.9 when my onurse called last week.  Just to stay in the bubble, her only suggestion.  I have been given one neulasta shot. Apparently, O in charge doesn't think it's too low. Sorry about the sciatica.
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  • elen
    elen Member Posts: 26
    edited April 2010

    Mel B I feel your pain. I have a wig but it looks, to me, like I'm wearing a combination guinea pig/cat on my head. I've only had minimal hair loss at this point but I am only at day 9 post treatment 1.  I was going to go searching for another wig, but I think I'm just going to stick with the hats and scarves for now.

    Re: Food ... I can't drink diet Pepsi -- which has been my drink of choice for years .. because it tastes disgusting. So, if nothing else, the chemo has cured me of that addiction and, as a byproduct, the caffeine addiction as well. Went to the fair, the shiskabobs tasted like .. well .. horrible .. :) and we're not even going to discuss the fudge!

    However, it felt so nice to be "normal" for a while. I didn't ride the rides (having nothing to do with the cancer and everything to do with temporary rides being put by people on who knows what -- nothing against carnies -- my mother was on in the 70's .. so I KNOW >> LOL) but hubby and my sons took a ride on the "monster truck" and I had the best time watching them! 

    What is chemo-pause??

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  • Dublin4
    Dublin4 Member Posts: 158
    edited April 2010

    good morning all....well I go today for the blood work to see how everything is bouncing back.  Still fill pretty good overall.  I have not had to many se's at all.  I know that is it cumulative but if this is my starting point and I only have 3 more...maybe I can get through with out to horrible of ses.  I got the pixie cut yesterday, walked in the sunshine 4 miles.  Got a blister, that has to go away as walking is my savoir right now.  My 14 year old sons hair is now longer then mine.  I did cry but I keep going back to my two favorite words, FORWARD and TEMPORARY.  I tried on the wig last night and agree HATED IT!  I have a black baseball cap and a cream baseball cap with a pony tail out the back...so me.  My neighbors sisters owns a specialty shop in NJ and she brought me the baseball cap.  I absolutely knew it will be my go to hat once it comes out and until it comes back.  The wig is just so uncomfortable and I am not a scarves person.  So the baseball hat it is.  Hoping for good news this morning and better days ahead.

    Stay strong!!!!

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  • lovemygarden
    lovemygarden Member Posts: 342
    edited May 2010

    Julia257, getting extra iron to up the RBC is a bit challenging for me because I don't eat meat and also cannot take iron supplements (they quickly give me a bad case of cystitis). So I made a list of naturally iron-rich foods that I normally eat and added larger quantities of them to my daily diet. Here is the list, each item with its percentage of the RDA of iron per that size serving:

     Cream of Wheat cereal, 1 serving = 50%

    Black beans, 1/2 cup = 15%

    Pasta, 2 oz = 10%

    Chickpeas, Kidney beans, Cannellini beans, 1/2 cup = 10%

    Steel-cut oatmeal, 1 serving = 10%

    Cream of Rice cereal = 10%

    Kasha (buckwheat kernels), 1/4 cup dry, prepared = 8%

    Peas, 1/2 cup = 8%

    Sunflower seed, 1/4 cup = 8% (this serving also provides 6 grams of protein, btw! great stuff)

    Raisins, 1 small box which is 1/4 cup = 6%

    Brussels sprouts, 3/4 cup = 6%

    Green beans, 1/2 cup = 4%

    Chicken or Turkey, 2 oz white meat = 3% (dark meat is slightly higher)

    Someone who eats red meat could easily up their iron intake by eating liver which is the highest-iron food out there. A couple of good iron/food charts and articles are at http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile68d.htm and http://www.bloodindex.net/Food.php

    FYI, the notion that spinach is a high-iron food is somewhat of a myth. Although it does contain more iron than some other veggies, it also is high in oxalic acid which binds with iron in the body and makes the iron hard to absorb. So the extra iron in spinach is "useless" unless iron-enhancing food is eaten at the same time to counteract the iron-blocking effect of the oxalic acid. 

    Foods that help the body absorb iron are oranges, cantaloupes, strawberries, grapefruits, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, and red and green peppers. Orange juice and tomato juice are also helpful.

    Conversely, other foods that inhibit iron absorption (as spinach does) are red wines, chard, beet greens, sweet potatoes,  rhubarb, soy products, and bran. So if you drink red wine and have sweet potatoes with your beef dinner, your body will absorb less iron from the beef than if you did not have the wine and had white potatoes instead.

     Hope this helps! Smile

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  • mamaof3bugs
    mamaof3bugs Member Posts: 198
    edited April 2010
    First chemo down only 15 more to go LOL.  I did just fine at transfusion  yesterday afternoon but I am a little nauseated this morning.  My onc put me on four different anti-nausea drugs, the most helpful so far has been the Emend but holy Lord it is expensive!!  I have had a headache since infusion started but I'm not sure if it the steroids or just stress.  I sleep last night thanks fo my lorazepam but I can't function on that stuff so I won't be taking it today unless absolutely necessary for my nausea.  I had my neulasta shot before I left last night to see if it keeps my wbc count up, if not I have to start going back the next day for it.  I have taken claritin , have actually been taking if for months due to allergies, for the bone pain I am anticipating.  My only strange SE is my nose, it feels stuffy and aches...whateverTongue out  I think my anticipation of SE is stronger than my actual SE at this point.  I am hoping to breeze through this but not sure that's gonna happen.  I love reading all of you posts, they give me hope!  Thank you ladies, and thank God for this board.  Have a SE free day!!  Angi
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  • Julia257
    Julia257 Member Posts: 284
    edited April 2010
    Love, challenging for me as well a veg (in more ways than one).  Just a few months ago I compromised for the first time in 40 years by taking a fish oil pill.  Took iron pills after losing a lot of blood during mx ...I've stopped, stopped all supplements including calcium, I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible to avoid any contra-indications with the big guns.  I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing, perhaps I should be increasing the supplements.  I have been eating a lot of raisins.  I had no idea that was the deal with spinach and sweet potatoes...I've been consuming daily.  Thank you so much for the list.  It's up already on my fridge.  Stopped wine also but here's a cyber toast to you!!! LaughingLaughingLaughing
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  • JLLG
    JLLG Member Posts: 27
    edited April 2010

    ThereIsHope-My first Tx of Taxotere and Cytocan was on the 15th...my hair (head) started to really fall out just 2 days ago...so about on day12. I buzzed my head really short and have been using a 3M Sticky Lint Roller on it....too funny.... But my body hair elsewhere started coming out on day 10. I also stopped shaving everything in Feb....just felt like seeing if the hair thing really was true to form....have not shaved my pits, legs, etc....my husband has been calling me "Wookie Woman" for a while now, but all the hair is almost gone also......I know...weird...but it gave me something to concentrate on.....LOL!!!!

    I too bought a wig....hate it.  I have a huge selection of scarves and have found many different ways to tie them....YouTube has great videos on how to do different styles.  Some head wrap styles have worked, and some others have made me look sort of like Osama Bin Laden sans the beard!!!  What is important is what makes us feel the most comfortable.....not what others may say or feel,.

    Peace to all...............

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  • teemee
    teemee Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2010

    Hi all,

    Just sitting here enjoying your cyber company Smile. Got my bloodwork done and I'm not sure what this number means, but the nurse said they only let the WBC get to 1 before doing something and mine was...drum roll....0.07. Yes, I asked about the zero. I think that means they found 1 WBC or something! Anyway, daily drives to the onc for neupogen shots until it comes back up, and I was ordered to stay in the house. Which is funny because I finally woke up this a.m. without the world spinning slowly, giving me the queasies. Was all ready to do some stuff--ah well. 

    I start a new job tomorrow, kind of worried after finding out I have no immune system. I'm a TA for a graduate school design studio, so much people and interacting and grabbing of pencils to mark drawings. Next to the worry is excitement that I finally will have something else to do besides worry about BC, and I think this will be nice and I totally need the teeny bit of money I'll get. So wish me luck!

    And big hugs to all.

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  • horsedoc
    horsedoc Member Posts: 512
    edited April 2010

    be careful teemee!  Your poor little lonely white blood cell needs some company before you expose it to too much! Like my mom keeps telling me, "be sure to wash your hands a lot."  :)

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  • frosty1
    frosty1 Member Posts: 420
    edited April 2010

    All of you that had your infusions in the last week be very good to yourselves right now!  Starting day 12 your blood counts really drop (some drop earlier) and you are a lot more prone to infection.  I found some Gold Bond hand lotion that also has sanitizer in it.  It has been a godsend!  I can manage the dry hands from constant washing and get the kill germs sanitizer.  Hair falls out ... for some people within a week, for others 2nd or 3rd infusion.  I thought I was on the early track as started losing the leg hair and pubic hair.  Head held on until last week.  Now I have a very "high forehead" as my daugther calls it but only on one side.  As for wigs.  Uggh.  Since I started a new job on 3/15, I decided I didn't want to be the face of cancer in a new job, so have been wearing the wig.  It comes off as soon as I get in the car.  Thought I lost it on the first day when I bumped my head getting out of the car when we all went to lunch.  Couldn't eat thinking I was now crooked.  I tried a scarf the other day but just wasn't ready to do that a work.  I tend to go 'topless' all weekend and evenings, so it doesn't really bother me.  I might try a scarf tomorrow as Seattle is scheduled for some wild weather.  JLLG - love the Wookie Woman.  Made me start humming new words to Black Magic Woman.  Hah!

    Day 9 and I am back to normal~ woohoo!  No anti-nausea meds this morning.  Just my now regular dose of Prilosec.  And I slept last night.  Amazing what that can do for you. 

    I am so glad you are all here .. very selfish of me .. but there is strength in numbers and having others that have gone through the same crap and can relate when you feel like whining.  Thank you all for passing along the knowledge, sharing yourself, and laughing with each other!

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  • teemee
    teemee Member Posts: 122
    edited April 2010

    LOL horsedoc! I'm convinced they took that one little WBC in their blood sample, so I'm fresh out ;)

    and ditto on what frosty1 said--I also am so glad to have you all.

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  • elle40
    elle40 Member Posts: 13
    edited April 2010

    TX #2 yesterday, Neulasta today...doing okay so far but ready with all my meds if required..planning to keep up with the walking/jogging and continue drinking LOTS of water, Gatorade, Cranberry/Apple/Grape Juice, Ginger Ale, Diet 7-Up and Diet Coke when I need caffeine.

    I'm not into the wigs so I've buzzed my hair short and wear a beanie cap at work if it gets too cold in the office (nothing most of the time though) and baseball hat or nothing out in town and at home. I'm embracing the quick easy morning routine!

    Love My Garden - love your Murphy's Law for SE management! I have my 2 anti nausea meds, Prilosec, Tylenol, Claritin, Laxative, lip balm, eye drops for dry eyes, Darvocet, Benadryl....not using anything regularly other than the Prilosec. Thanks also for the great iron tips.

    Dublin 4 - Right there with you and the exercise - it gives me something to look forward to - getting outside in the nice fresh air.

    Teeme - good luck getting your BC back up

    Frosty 1- agree on the Prilosec

    Happy Easter as we March into April

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  • staceyt
    staceyt Member Posts: 106
    edited April 2010

    Good Morning All,

    Yes, I agree w/Frosty1 - I to am very Thankful for all of you, this place is an outlet for me, a place where people know exactly what I am going through and why I feel the way I feel.  Still having a tough go at it this week - just can't seem to find any energy.  Hoping to enjoy some nice weather as it gets to the upper 70's this weekend and for upstate NY that is warm this time of year, I still have snow in my yard !

    Happy Easter to All - As always only good thoughts and warm wishes - Hugs to My Sisters !

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  • Dublin4
    Dublin4 Member Posts: 158
    edited April 2010

    Good morning to all...

    Went to see doc yesterday my wbc is low but in the normal range.  He has not said a word about the Neulasta shot so I guess I am doing OK.  I have a little infection around my TE (holding some fluid) so I am on an antibiotic and it is working just fine.  Looks a 100 times better today.   We discussed my se or lack off any major ones and hes said that it effect everyone differently and that I may not have horrible ones.  I asked is it working?  and of course he said yes.  He also told me that I should expect the same type of response each treatment with some change.  I thought it always got wrose each time?  Any feed back on that.  Let me know what each of you has heard, experienced.  Thank goodness it is April only this month and next for chemo....YEA!

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  • hereandnow
    hereandnow Member Posts: 322
    edited April 2010

    there is so much reading to do to catch up from only being away 2 days, and so much great advice, lovemy garden you are a fount of knowledge on diet, thanks. Welcome to all new posters. I don't feel I can answer all the things I want to because it would take up too much space. But, I bought my wig - goodness knows if I'll ever wear it - at least it's turning cool now and heading into winter, and I can treat it like another cap- a furry cap, but a cap. And teemee, pls be careful with such a low WCC.

    Tonight I was having one of my flavoured mineral waters, and I noticed that it has grapefruit juice in it - and I remembered that grapefruit juice is something we should all avoid while we're on lots of medications. It has effects on one of the enzyme systems of the liver that processes a number of medications - the cytochrome p450 system. We should avoid grapefruit juice or if you really love it, check with your oncologist.

    Lisa

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  • Julia257
    Julia257 Member Posts: 284
    edited April 2010
    ditto everyone...I''m so thankful for you all!!!!  Have a great weekend everyone!
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  • mamaof3bugs
    mamaof3bugs Member Posts: 198
    edited April 2010
    I am now 36 hours out from tx #1 and feeling pretty good.  A little nausea but nothing I can't take care of with one of my anti-nausea meds.  I am exhausted but seem to be getting good sleep.  Everyone says that tonight and tomorrow will be the worst so I am now just waiting.  I am praying to God that I am one of the one's that sails through chemo...a girl can always hope :D  What days are your worst days after treatment?  It's great to come here and read all of your posts knowing that each of you knows exactly where I am coming from and where I am going.  Have a energetic day!!  AngiTongue out
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  • hmh23
    hmh23 Member Posts: 306
    edited April 2010

    I only had my first AC treatment on Monday so no hair loss yet but I did purchase a wig and it's beautiful.  However, I'm not sure how it will feel once I've lost all of my hair.  Just in case, I am going to buy a Halo as well to wear under ball caps and other hats.  You can get them on a number of sites and it allows you to have the look of hair without having your entire head covered.  Anyhow, just a thought! Heather

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  • peverson
    peverson Member Posts: 55
    edited April 2010

    I'm a newbie. Started March 30 with my first DD AC, then moving onto Taxol and radiation. I'm behind most of you watch will be reading and asking for support and information.

    So far, I've not had nausea but lots of restlessness and anxiety. Unable to concentrate on anythig for more than about 5 minutes (including my relaxation tapes). Looking forward to getting some good adice.

    Patsy

     Diagnosis: 3/23/10, mixed lobuar/ductal, 1.8cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 5/6 nodes, ER+/PR+HER2 still watiing

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  • alison34
    alison34 Member Posts: 138
    edited April 2010

    hi ladies

    just need to know if anyone feels the same as me or i am starting to wonder if i am losing it

    ??????

    my hair is falling out around my feet and today i havent been able to control my emotions at all i keep crying all the time

    am i having just a bad day, does anyone else feel the way i am cos i dont think i am handling this well at all

    i have been really strong and positive till today and i just keep breaking down, my girls are looking at me and wondering what is going on

    my best friend tells me to pull it together as i have been really positive and took the whole situation in hand, is it just a bad day?

    any advice of how anyone has coped with the hair loss would be great to hear cos i dont know how i am going to get through this

    thankyou alison xxxxx

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  • SGJ05
    SGJ05 Member Posts: 73
    edited April 2010

    Well, I hope I can still hang out in this forum even though my official start date of chemo. was April 1st:) I am a bit of a silly one and thought that date fit my personality better. I had no real problems with the infusion other than some mild dizziness with the pre-meds, a little jitteryness/crabiness with the Decadron, and the terrible taste with the Taxotere-BLAH! I found eating ice chips throughout helped alleviate this symptom--it seemed as soon as my mouth was at room temp. the terrible taste came back?! Anyhow--I made it thorugh my first chemo.-woohoo!! I also made it through my first neulasta shot this morning. I took claritin and hope it helps with any possible joint pain.

    As of today, I have some mild muscle aches in my legs, slight nausea on and off (nothing a cracker won't get rid of), on and off again exhausion, heartburn, and a sunburn like rash on my chest. BUT I really cannot complain too much since these are all very mild:) I am going to go for a walk when the sun sets and try and enjoy the beautiful weather.

     Now that I have started chemo. I hope to contribute a bit more to the conversations. I have merely been lurking and reading--you all have no idea how much you have helped me by simply posting, thank you.

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