April 2010 starting chemo
Comments
-
Oh, I tell you, you all make me laugh and cry!... I sat at my desk today and watched the hair collect on the floor below. It is thinning alot now. (Day 14, TC Round 1) To hear how you are all dealing with hair loss really helps. SusieSue, I have an original buff waiting and I think I am going to love it. The material is so light and soft. Also, I wanted to comment on the rude stares, I have to confess, I saw a woman in CVS the other day who obviously was going through chemo treatment and she didn't have a wig on or anything, just 1/4 hair all over her head and I admit it, I stared. I was just wondering will I have the same courage. She acted completely normal and friendly to the cashier and I was in awe and that's why I stared. Also, I was hurt the same way you were SusieSue... when my SISTER! came here in April to visit after my second surgery, I took her with me to the post op visit and she sat in the waiting room with me and proceeded to talk normal and then whisper the word "cancer" as if she couldn't say the word aloud! That really upset me, but I have to say, she is 14 years older than me and maybe grew up in a different time also she is coming a LONG way now. She got herself some books on cancer at the half price book store and is really trying to be there for me now, even from far away (Ohio). Yesterday she sent me a package with a beautiful silk pillowcase that she made herself! Sometimes people just need time, I guess. We, as the patients, don't have that luxury (time, I mean) to get used to everything.
Best wishes to everyone for a weekend free of SE's and a WONDERFUL Mother's Day to all of you who are Moms!! HUGS to all!
-
Hello everyone. I had my first FEC on April 27, so that makes today day 11, and I have to say, it hasn't been all bad. My worst day so far was Saturday, I could barely make it out of bed. Fatigue has been my biggest issue, but I have been spending quality time with the couch. No nausea, I have been good about taking the Reglan, but haven't needed it for the past few days. My scalp is starting to feel a bit tingly, but nothing is really happening there, it is probably too early. Marcy4, I think that you are about a week ahead of me, so it is interesting to read your posts. I will be getting my PICC installed (inserted?) on Monday, so that will definitely make the remaining cycles easier, my veins are still achy and dark from the IV.
I attended a Look Good Feel Better workshop this week, and if any of you haven't looked into this, I highly recommend it. It was a lot of fun, the volunteers were great and all of the women attending really connected with each other. I was very impressed with the quality of products that we were given, but my favourite item was the sleep cap!
I hope that everyone has a great weekend, Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there, and I hope that any SEs are mild.
-
Just wanted to say I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend (even though the weather here is not looking that great) and all the mom's out there have a wonderful Mother's Day.
-
Hi Dutchgirl, thanks for the positive thoughts on the Look Good Feel Better... I am signed up for one on Monday and wasn't sure what to expect. Now I will look forward to it! I'll let you know how mine goes!
Happy Mother's Day and hugs to all!
-
arubajan- The Look Good Feel Better program was fabulous!! You get some great products and it is a wonderful way to meet other women going through the same thing. Have fun!!
susiesue- I ordered 2 buffs last week and can't wait to get them:) I ahve been wearing the same ole scarf for weeks and don't have a wig yet--change will be great!!
pickles and marcy4- Thanks for the shampoo advice, I am going to give them a try. I did end up woth follicultis so I am on antibiotics, bummer.
Ohh and as for people who stare at you when your out--you really get used to it and don't pay much attention to it:) However, my favorite is people that move away from me as if I have some catchy disease--really people you can't catch my cancer, LOL!
Well, I hope you all are having a great weekend!! Happy Mother's Day to everyone:) I cannot wait to spend the day with my girls and soak up all the love!!
-
Susiesue, thanks for reminding me about the lint roller for stubborn hair. I have been buzzed for almost 2 weeks now and although the sides are completely gone, the mohawk section was staying put. Yes, I could pull out the hair with my fingers, but it wasn't falling out. Considering it's been 2 weeks, I also thought "when is this sore sensation going to end?". I just now, lint-rolled my mohawk area and a lot of hair came out. It's not completely naked, but it's much better. I hope that the soreness stops soon...it's driving me crazy.
I have a question....did anyone hear from an oncologist or onco nurse about NOT flossing their teeth? I read this but was never actually told this by anyone - even my dentist. I haven't been flossing, but it's driving me crazy....any input??
Second question.....on the Hair, Hair, Hair thread under Chemo there is a lot of talk about Nioxin shampoo/conditioner scalp therapy and treatment...I have bought this but don't know when to start using it...does anyone know? Do I have to wait until the hair is completely gone and I have finished chemo? There are so many posts in that thread, that it's hard getting through all of them.
Thanks in advance and Happy Mother's Day to all of us who are moms!!
-
Regarding hair and staring - I haven't had any major incidents - but sometimes I just FEEL like people are looking at me. Although I must admit to being somewhat agoraphobic these days - totally avoiding going out if I can help it. And then mad at myself for being this way. I have worn the wig to work 3 times now - and all 3 times at least one person has told me my hair looks good. I was skeptical about that when others said that's what would happen.
So, I'm officially taking her (still nameless wig) out for the evening tonight. Dreading it, but we are meeting friends for dinner. I live in a small city and we always see a million people we know when we are out, and am hoping to sit in a dark booth and see no one.
I don't know anything about the Nioxin - but will now scour the Hair thread - hadn't see that one yet. I'm obsessed with eyebrows and eyelashes now. I have accepted the hair part I guess, but something about losing the brows and lashes freaks me out. (I bought the Sephora brow kit figuring if I have it on hand - and spent the money on it - not cheap - that I'll have wasted my money and not need it). See the kinds of games I play with myself.
I swear with all this craziness over my hair and my wig I almost forget about the actual CANCER that got me here!!!!
-
Shygal, regarding flossing--it's one of those things I heard conflicting opinions about. What I've been going with is that I will floss (carefully) unless/until I develop neutropenia (low white blood cell count). SInce I normally floss every day, doing it doesn't cause bleeding unless I accidentally run the floss too hard, and I don't want to develop gingivitis on top of everything else. If I wasn't already so good about flossing, though, I might not start until I'm done with chemo. SInce you're not supposed to get dental work during chemo, I'm trying to be really good about oral hygiene. I also brush with toothpaste after every meal, whereas I used to just do it morning and night.
I have to confess that I'm another lint roller. I run the roller with a fresh sticky over my shirt (which usually needs it anyway) before I take it to my head. I figure that takes away a bit of the strongest pull. I keep forgetting to use the roller before I take a shower so I don't get so much hair in the drain, but I think that will help.
-
I am on day 8 after my first TX AC, The first night I was throwing up and then the next day I had diarrhea. The nausea was pretty bad until my onc. had me come in for IV fluids. OHHH what a difference they made. Then the nausea was manageable with the zofran alone. Day 3 I was so tired...but since then I have been feeling pretty good.
I hope all of you are doing well with your SE...susiesue...my chemo nurses told me that sneezing is a SE of Cytoxin....I was sneezing during treatment.
Battle on
Emme
-
Dutchgirl6 - Good to hear from you. I was wondering how you were doing. Glad to hear your SEs were ok. I go on Monday for #2 and am hoping that it will be similar.
I go for Chemo in a small centre--6 chairs. Last time there were only 4 of us there. This Monday my brother in law, who has cancer, is taking his brother and myself for our chemo treatments. His bother has lymphoma and was diagnoised about the same time as I was. My other sister's boss is having his chemo on Monday as well. So as it stands now, 3 of us will all have a connecton.. Funny, eh!
-
Regarding hair loss...
I'm not sure if I have shared any of this with all of you or not...If I have please bear with me, I'm having wicked chemo brain lately.
This is my second roun of chemo. My first was Jan and Feb. My hair loss was my worst fear. I felt like I had to take control so I shaved my head before my hair fell out on its own. Buzzing my hair empowered me...like it was my choice versus a side effect of the chemo in my body. I kept telling myself that hairloss is a sign the chemo is working.
My scalp was sooo painful. It felt like I had worn my hair in a too tight ponytail. To make matters worse I was taking lapatanib (tykerb) and it gave me a horrible acne like rash all over my face scalp and chest...gave me a renewed empathy for the teens.
This time around my hair is only an inch long...I hate to see it go again....it is just a tiny bit of normality that I am clinging to. This time around I don't have that bad rash...so I hope it isn't as painful when it does fall out again.
Ohhh and when I was bald I still used shampoo on my scalp...it felt funny using body wash or facial soap so I just stuck with the shampoo.
I hope this helps. We are all beautiful...hair or not
Emme
-
Saralmom~ I am totallywith you... I am so worried about the hair loss I forget about the cancer! Today, though, as my hair was coming out in handfuls in the shower there was a commercial on the radio about disabled veterans and I decided I would rather lose my hair than my leg. Perspective....
HAPPY MOTHER's DAY, EVERYONE!!! Enjoy! and try to forget about the cancer for one day!!! I hope everyone has an SE free day.
-
Happy Mom's Day!
Race for the Cure is going strong today at the Mall of America in Minnesota, so as I rest up after Chemo #2 the local news has stories of survivors and supporters. What a wonderful day! I can barely get out of bed so no survivors lap for me this year...next year however there will be quite a group of us! My sister, neices and a few cousins are walking for me today! Fighting like a girl!
Day 4 post Chemo #2 and my SE's are still strange, swollen white tongue isn't as bad but it's here! and my liver functions are way down. Have to go in Monday for more blood tests and finally having a port placed! So exciting after the last infusion left my arm looking pincushioned and very bruised. My veins are rolling.
Buzzed my hair down to 1/2 inch aweek ago Friday and it's coming out like mad the last two days. Having trouble telling if it's me shedding or the cats! hehe. Now I just have to find my lint roller....
-
Hi ladies - I am on Day 4 of my 1st AC tx and have been doing not too bad.. a little upset stomach but not too bad. I definitely have metal mouth taste today, does anyone have any remedies for that?
Thank you and have a wonderful day.
Laura
-
LauraM, I didn't exactly have metal mouth, but did have a weird taste. My only advice is to stay away from things that you really like, so that you don't develop a taste aversion. A friend of mine said that she still can't eat chocolate, and she finished treatment a year ago. That would be tragic!!
-
Citrus flavored things seem to help my mouth, like lemon drops or even an orange!
Good Luck! -
LauraM~
Try eating off of plastic utensils..it helped me last time I had chemo. I agree with Pickles about the citrus---I sucked on lemonheads and ate lots of lemon yogurt. It seemed to help with the metalic and what I call the licking a wooden spoon taste.
It's day 10 tomorrow for me...another blood check. The bone pain set in this morning...I feel like my body is being cracked in half lengthwise...it starts at my chest bone in front then ib my back at the lower part of my spine and pelvis. It is like a throbbing pain. Thank goodness it isn't constant..just halts me in my tracks when it hits. Anyone else have it like this?
I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!
Emme
-
I had dry mouth and metallic taste and about the only thing that I enjoyed was Ice Cream... Tastes great! I wanted a chocolate shake or a sundae every meal
but that wasnt' too good for the waistline. A friend of mine saved me from myself and bought me a smoothie recipe book so I reverted to those and found just as much enjoyment from them! Yay! Today was a 5k walk for Breast Cancer Network of Strength and my hubby's work had a team and I am proud to say I walked to the finish line! It felt great. AND I haven't had to shave my head yet though it is falling out in handfuls, (I will have to soon, but not on Mother's day!) which I was so worried about. The walk was by the ocean, very windy and I did NOT want to have to manage my wig..LOL. I am excited for a good week before my next treatment on the 17th! YAY!
Happy Mother's Day all! Many hugs and wishes for a day free of SE's!
-
Pickles, I loved the part about wondering if all the shedding was you or your cats. I've had the same issue. Two of my cats are orange tabbies and that's close enough to my strawberry blonde to make for some confusion. Usually, my hair would be much longer, but after the buzz cut, we're in the same boat.
Speaking of hair, I've noticed that a lot of my hair when I buzzed it and since then is a lot darker than usual. I'm guessing that the chemo does something to it while it's still hanging on. You'd have thought I was a brunette or *really* in need of a color job.
LauraM, I agree with Emme about using plastic utensils instead of metal when you're having that metal-mouth sensation. Sometimes even my fillings seemed to taste. Staying really hydrated helps as well.
Emme, that pain sounds like what I had from the Neupogen shots. The pain location changed from time to time, but the worst was when it was in the pelvis and lower spine and when it was in the breastbone. Ugh. The first round was especially bad for throbbing. The second round was less intense and for fewer days. I'm hoping it keeps getting better like that if I have to do the shots again for the third round.
AC # 3 tomorrow. Fun times!
Karen
-
Arubajan, I am so with you on the ice cream thing. It is the one thing that I have been craving,and I don`t even like it that much. Also, I usually drink water with my meals, and lately I have been drinking milk, which actually tastes good to me. Maybe there is something to dairy that helps with chemo mouth.
-
I am really looking forward to my look good feel better class on Tuesday. From some of the posts I have read it will be a really good place to be
. AC #2 comming up on Wednesday. I do have to say the last two weeks have gone by fast. Right now I feel like "normal" and have for most of this week. Hoping that round 2 is not any worse. I hope you all had a wonderful mother's day. -
Arubajan & Dutchgirl6 - I am the same with the dairy thing, ice ream and milk of any form is the only thing that tastes okay on the bad mouth days.
I'm on day 11 from my first treatment and am feeling pretty okay. The hair is really beginning to shed now - and yes my husband remarked that it's a competition between me and the cat at the moment.
Here in Australia this weekend we had the annual 'field of women' event in Melbourne. This year they got 14100 people wearing pink ponchos (and some blue to represent ment diagnosed) onto the MCG (big footy ground) to form the pink lady to represent the 14100 people who will get diagnosed with BC this year in Australia. It's a huge event and takes place before an aussie rules footy game. They Breast Cancer Network Australia do it to raise money and awareness. It was a really moving event - I only watched on tv this year but the aerial shot was amazing.
Til next time,
Mel
-
Hi everyone,
Hope you all had a great Mother's Day. Going in tomorrow for an expansion, then round 2 of TC on Tuesday. Like everyone else, I've been shedding like crazy, but still can't bring myself to buzz what's left of it off.Hope everyone is doing well. Wish me luck on Tuesday......
Jennifer Q
-
Hi ladies -
Thanks for the tips on dealing with metal mouth, I am going to go to the store later and get some lemon drops and try them out. Funny you mentioned ice cream, I have not wanted sweets since chemo started but last night I had some ice cream and it was really good.
My stomach is still giving me issues today, plus I am very tired because I am not sleeping very well. I sleep good til about 4 or 5am then I toss an turn with the churning stomach the last two nights. I am on day 5 today so I was hoping to wake up feeling back to normal today but that hasn't happened. I did start getting the tightening in the center of the ribcage last night, I think that is the sternum area which my doctor told me was a possibility when the white blood cells start to produce after the Neulasta shot. It doesn't hurt, just has my upper stomach hard as a rock. All in all this hasn't been too bad, just annoying and lasting a little longer than I expected.
Thanks for all your help!
Laura
-
I went for treatment #2 today (FEC). Had my pre medciation work all done and everything was great. They started the Epirubicin and after only 1 mL, I had a severe allegric reaction and everything was put on hold immediately. The doctors and nurses were right on top of it in seconds. I was given Benedryl to get things under control. So now my Chemo is on hold as they need to change my regime of drugs. It was a disappointing day since it may mean that I basically have to start all over again. The nurses assured me that my onocoligst is excellent and he will come up with a suitable alternative. I hope to hear by the end of the week so I can be ready to go next Monday. The good news is my son is in a hockey tournament this weekend that I should be able to attend unless they want to get me started before the end of the week.
Hope everyone else is doing well. I was a beautfiful day here!
-
Marcy, I'm so sorry that you had this experience. It must be such a disappointment that there is now a delay with your treatment. Sometimes I feel like we take small steps forward only to take a big step back. I am curious, what kind of allergic reaction did you have? Was it difficulty breathing,or something else? I hope that your onc is able to figure out a new protocol, and that you can get back on the horse. And go to your son's hockey tournament.
I went for my PICC today, but they couldn't do it due to low white blood cell count, apparently I have neutropenia. It was rescheduled for next Monday. I asked the nurse if there was anything that I could do at home to treat it, all she said was to stay away from sick people. My response was "Well then I guess I better leave the hospital" She laughed at that one. I am waiting to hear from the cancer clinic if I need to have a Neupogen shot.
Arubajan, how did you enjoy the Look Good Feel Better workshop? I am not a makeup girl, but I thought it was a lot of fun.
-
dutchgirl6 - Didn't you get a Neulasta shot? That should help with your blood count. I had one 24 hours after my chemo. As far as the reaction goes, I felt very odd, sort of light headed and my chest, neck and back instantly got red and itchy. I couldn't see how bad it was, but by the looks of all the faces in the room, it was quite severe. I have Benedryl to take at home if I notice any problems and I am to go to the ER is I have trouble breathing. They think this is unlikely since I only had so very little. My chest got a little red last time, and they stopped and checked me out, but were able to continue. I am hoping I get my new regime quickly and can get back on track, with no allergic reactions!
Hope your treatment goes well.
PS I thought your reply to the nurse was great!
-
Marcy, I'm glad I asked. One of my SEs was some redness and blotchiness on my chest and neck on day 2 and 3, and I was a bit light headed while the treatment was administered, but I thought that it was from the steroids that I was given (dexamethasone and hydrocortisone). I will definitely mention it to them when I go for my next treatment. I wasn't given a Neulasta shot, my onc told me that I would have them with my Docetaxel, but I will ask about it next week.
I love the fact that we can learn so much from each other on these boards!
-
Dutchgirl6
My face was flushed for about 3 or 4 days after my treatment too. I was ordered Neulasta shots to follow each Chemo. I did not have blotchy spots on my chest following my first treatment. It faded while it was being administered so they continued. Today the nurse said it was a very different overall red reaction almost instantly. I thought I felt lightheaded because of nervous and things finally starting, but it seemed to be worse than that. The nurse said my bloodwork was so good because of the Neulasta so do ask about it. Check if it is covered by your insurance or province. It was $2600. for the shot.
Good Luck
-
Hey Dutchgirl
my Look Good Feel Better class was awesome! I really enjoyed it and I am not a huge makeup person either. I got an awesome Lancom the Lip Gloss free at the class!Tonight my hubby shaved my head and I have to say I am happy to not to have all the shedding. I am still a bit sad but I am okay!
Hugs to all!
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team