Starting Chemo October 2009

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited May 2010
    Glad all are doing well...and thanks about the hair.  My mom says it makes me look like Halle Berry.....HAHAHAHAHAHA!  I don't see it.  You gotta love moms.Laughing
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  • Piffken
    Piffken Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2010

    So, now that I'm going through Radiation (5 weeks down - 2 to go) I have some questions for my October sisters. My hair is coming back and I'm starting to go without head covering as we live in Florida and it is very hot already. My hair looks like the fur of a mouse, kind of greyish and from the pics I've seen, almost everyone of my October sisters that lost their hair looks like me.

    Does anyone know if this is only temporary and eventually the hair will grow in in a "real" color? Or will it need to be colored eventually - if so, when can we think about that?

    I know it's crazy - the hair is barely back and already I'm complaining about the way it looks - but it is just soooo much grey and I am not that old (43).

    Also, I'm wondering if anyone has numbness in their feet from chemo still? I finished the end of Feb. and still the bottom of my feet have no feeling. 

    And last but not least - I am starting to lose my toenails!!! They are just now falling of and I know this is a known side effect of chemo but I didn't have it then. Could it be this late from the chemo? Or should I worry about it? It couldn't be from the Radiation, could it?

    Just wondering if anyone else has experienced any of this? Thanks Ladies, have a wonderful weekend. Piffken  

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  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 201
    edited May 2010

    Hey Piffken (and All)!

    When my hair started coming back it was the same as yours - and way too much gray!  I colored it because it was driving me crazy!  Well, much more has come in, and I have to say that it is definitely getting better.  More normal color, more normal texture.  I think I have about 2 inches now (being very optimistic).  Thinking about getting extensions because I'm not sure I will survive this weird puffy phase!! 

    Not sure which chemo you were on.  I was on Taxotere and Cytoxin.  My hands and feet bother me more now than they did when I was on chemo.  Onc said this is normal and to give it time.  I never had nail problem.  My eyesight went a little off for awhile, but it seems to be getting better.

    Try that Elations drink.  I think it is helping me with my joints and neuropathy.

    Hope you all are doing well!  Another week and a half and the kids will be done for the summer.  Yay!

    Laura 

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited May 2010

    Laura, you mentioned joints and that reminded me ..I asked my ONC why my joints were sore and she said it is lack of estrogen....like I have the joints of a 55 year old...I was hoping it was the chemo and would go away...I guess when my period comes back...or if it comes back,  will it go away...but if it does come back I will be getting injections to send it packing....man I feel old.

     did that paragraph make sense to everyone...

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  • Piffken
    Piffken Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2010

    Hi Laura,

    Thank you for the reply and sharing your experience. I was on the same chemo as you, AC, then Taxotere. Hopefully the numbness will go away, Onc said in some cases it can be permanent!!!

    Well, I guess I will have to be patient for the hair. I'm sure you were glad to be going without wigs, too. AZ must be hot already, as is Florida. I really, really want to go to the beach but I'm scared to go because I am in thr middle of Radiation and my sin is so red I don't want to risk a sun burn and then be forced to delay my treatment. So tired of this whole cancer deal and treatment. It just seems to not want to end. Oh well, the end is near, I just hope this disease will be out of my life for good. Have a wonderful weekend and try to stay cool. Piffken

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  • feistybluegecko
    feistybluegecko Member Posts: 133
    edited May 2010

    Today I finished finished this triathlon of treatment - had my final radiation today!  Coincidentally it is also 8 months to the day since I found the lump and life changed.

    I want to focus on RECOVERY now, it's been one hell of a ride and I am looking forward to feeling better, being able to feel my fingers and feet, having hair (still patchy and the wrong colour!) and walking without looking like a wooden puppet!

    Look how far we have all come - love and warm hugs to you all

    Philippa

    xxxxx

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  • Enjoyful
    Enjoyful Member Posts: 3,591
    edited May 2010

    Congrats Philippa, and everyone else who's finished their chemo/radiation! 

    I had taxotere/cytoxan but thankfully no numbness or nail loss.  My hair's growing back and it's that post-chemo non-color.  Hopefully I'll get some of my normal red back soon.

    Anybody else fighting dragging fatigue and join pain?  My onc took me off Femara to see if that was causing it.  I'm on day 4 of non-Femara and I don't feel any better.  If anyone has had severe fatigue and conquered, how did you do it?? 

    Hope everyone continues to take well-earned vacations, and hope that we all feel well soon.

    E. 

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  • RaiderDee
    RaiderDee Member Posts: 150
    edited May 2010

    Hi ladies!  I hope everyone is doing well.  Just checking in because I am having surgery to get my left TE put back in tomorrow.  I lost it to an infection back in Sept. 09 so I've been waiting to get my reconstruction going for a long time.  Nervous and anxious at the same time.  I hate the idea of having another operation but I need to get it done or I'll never get the new foobs.  Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, just another hurdle to get over. 

    It's nice to hear from everybody, keep checking in from time to time so we know all is well.   Take care.

    Dee

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited May 2010

    Philippa: so glad to hear you are finally finished the triathlon. I didn't mind rads but it really sapped my energy and afterward, I could feel more energy by the week. I finally started to feel normal and doctor's appts and treatment are no longer uppermost on my mind. Hope you can start living now. Will you be taking Tamoxifen?

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  • KimLovesDachshunds
    KimLovesDachshunds Member Posts: 177
    edited May 2010

    Starting Chemo on Thursday, May 27, 2010 -- Taxotere/Cytoxan -- 4 treatments -- separated by 21 days -- then will do radiation -- had lemon-sized tissue removed from breast/lymph node -- to get clean margins from Invasive Stage 3 Cancer.  Cut hair short (like a boys) -- UGH to be prepared for hair loss.  I am 53 and hoping this will be a "reasonable walk" as my nerves have finally calmed down from the initial diagnosis and 2 surgeries to get clean tissue.  I will follow your threads to get educated.  I understand the hair probably falls out within 14 days after first treatment.  How long after final treatment does it grow back?   Everyone from my husband/ to family to friends have been WONDERFUL.  So blessed to have only this small walk to do.  :)  Kim

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited May 2010

    HI ALL

    Yep the joint pain seem to just linger it was one of the S/e that took the longest to go , and hair i kept mine shaved right up un till i finished chemo the chemo hair was like mice fur but now its about 2 inch and lots more greyer then befor but i dont mine its a really nice salt and pepper look ive had loads of complaments from stranges

    Glad everyone seem well and moving on with life  any one heard from JUDGEJACLYN

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited May 2010

    We also havn't heard from Sido in a while...

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited May 2010

    Hi all.......finished rads today, now just need to get the boo-boos healed.  (And of course finish my Herceptin.)

    Jo-jo, I get the same comment about my salt/pepper.  And yep, that early hair was like mouse fur....or I saw someone describe it as clothes dryer lint.........haha!

    Hope you all are doing well, and that the folks we haven't heard from are so busy getting busy with their post/cancer life that they haven't had time to check in! 

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  • feistybluegecko
    feistybluegecko Member Posts: 133
    edited May 2010

    Warm greetings to all from Bangkok :)

    I saw the onc and surgeon last night and they were both happy with progress and treatment - and I don't need to see them again for 3 MONTHS - wow!!  Freedom!  I will of course see the radiation consultant in 4 weeks for rads review, and have the port flushed (eech - had it flushed this morning) regularly.   I have started Tamixifen and the onc was worried about DH in case of side effects ha ha!!

    So I am hoping to travel in the early hours of Sunday and get to my family in Scotland for 4 weeks.

    Hope you are all doing well and healing in every sense.

    Love and hugs

    Philippa

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited May 2010

    Philippa: it will be so good for you to get away for four weeks. I hope you have a lovely time in Scotland.

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited May 2010

    Hi all,

    Just checking in. Its been almost 5 months since chemo. My period is still not back. Anyone else in the same boat?

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited May 2010

    Hiya Onty: Four months since chemo for me, but now I'm on Tamxifen so don't expect my period to come back. I was on the verge of menopause anyway, so chemo gave me the necessary shove.

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited May 2010

    4 months since chemo and no period for me...

    I just colored my hair...a nice chestnut brown...I think it looks ok.  I find it strange to only have one color.  up to now it has been brown and grey....

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited May 2010

    Michele: was it brown and grey prior to or post chemo? You are brave to have colored it already. I'm not sure whether I want to stick with the natural grey look or go back to coloring it again. I figure once I go down that road, I would have to continue to maintain the color.

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited May 2010

    Mary, that was my post chemo hair color.   I have always colored it until chemo.  I figured, what the hell...go for it. 

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited May 2010

    Mary, I'm like you.  I am just keeping the grey....unless and until I decide not to!

    Philippa, I know what you mean about feeling free.  Just had my last rads Wednesday, then go in Tuesday for Herceptin......then I don't go back for another three weeks!  Woohoo!  Enjoy your trip to Scotland.  We're heading to the beach for a few days after I get my Herceptin...just because we can.  Of course, I won't be doing all that much sunbathing.

    Onty, I don't know if I ever knew your age, but the literature I got on Abraxane said that if you are over 40 chances are menopause will be permanent.  I had one period several months ago, but am 50 so I figure it was coming anyhow.  I went out and bought a white skirt and white slacks and hope to enjoy NOT having to worry when I wear them!Laughing 

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  • RonnieKay
    RonnieKay Member Posts: 2,067
    edited May 2010

    Visiting from September Sisters :)

    Onty, I must say I tracked you down as I've wondered how you were doing & am happy to see you are doing well!  I have zometa as well (every 6 months for 3 years, started Jan) and will finish herceptin in August...yeah!  Keeping the port until then & will be only too ready to say goodbye to it. Take care! 

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited May 2010

    Dear all,

    Thanks for all the replies. I am 38 and have 2 kids. But I didn't want to get into menopause yet and I had received lupron before and during chemo. .... waiting for the visit from aunt flo .... lol

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited June 2010

    Hopbird, I hope you are enjoying the sun and sand.  You deserve it.

    Welcome Ronny, we love to have sisters come to visit.

    Mary, I could be wrong, but I don't think taking Tamoxifen stops your periods....just those nasty estrogen from sticking to cancer cells...

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited June 2010

    Michele: Yes, you're right about Tamoxifen and periods. I'm not sure where I got the idea that it would stop periods. From breastcancer.org - Tamoxifen and Fertility:

    Does tamoxifen induce menopause?

    Although it causes hot flashes, tamoxifen does not make you menopausal. About 20% of women will have irregular periods on tamoxifen, but only a few stop their cycles entirely.

    Tamoxifen will not cause early menopause unless you're already on the brink. After you stop taking tamoxifen, your body usually goes back to where it was before.

    I was surprised to also read that Tamoxifen is sometimes used as a fertility treatment as it actually increases ovulation.

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  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited June 2010

    I haven't checked  in awhile, so thought I would get caught up on my reading and to make  sure everyone is doing OK.

    I am doing great.  I am enjoying the time between doctors visits.  I don't see  the Rad Onc until July and then I see the Med Onc, have my yearly checkup with my GYN and then have my 6 month mammo.  So July will be a busy month, but I have had a nice break. 

    I have been going to see a doctor about my left  arm, my good arm.  They are beginning to think I have a pinched nerve in my neck. I had a nerve conduction test last week, so I should  know something next week.  I hope they don't suggest more surgery, but that may be the option.  I am just waiting to see.

    I am 3 months into taking my Arimidex and I don't seem to be having any SEs.  At least I haven't noticed anymore than usual.  I already have pains in my knees and hips.  So I guess as long as it isn't worse, then I will be OK.

    My hair is growing and it is about 2 inches  long on the sides and back and a little shorter  on the top.  I get lots of compliments on the length and my DH wants me to keep it short.  It is so easy to take care  of, I probably will.  Some say that it takes years  off of  me and that I look so much younger.  And we all need to look younger, lol.

     MaryNY, I had also read that Tamoxifen was  used as a fertility treatment and that women using it for breast cancer treatment, should  also be sure to use birth control.  What a fix that puts  you into. 

    I hope everyone continues to gain strength and is well on the road  to recovery.  I want to forget this journey, but it will be forever with me.

    I am sorry we all had to meet this way, but I couldn't have made it through without all of you to help  me.  I will be forever grateful.

    Love to all,

    Juannelle 

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited June 2010

    Ronniekay,

    I am doing ok. My hair length is like One-L now. I go wigless in home. I think in 3-4 weeks I will go wigless outside too.

    Love all.

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited June 2010

    Onty.........I can see at your age why you wouldn't want to quit having the visits yet!  Hope Auntie comes soon!

    I did enjoy my time away, and am now trying to get everything back to normal.  Of course, its Summer and I have three teenage sons, plus/minus some friends, in and out all day.....not exactly normal!

    Our thread was hiding back on page 3 or 4......guess that means all of us are moving on.  Good to get past this part of our lives, but I know none of us will really forget how important being able to share our experience this way was. 

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  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 1,993
    edited June 2010

    Hello, anybody out there........just checking in to see how ewveryone is doing.

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  • azdiva
    azdiva Member Posts: 201
    edited June 2010

    Thought I would check in.  I was out of town for my daughter's dance nationals for a week!  Much fun.  Typical mother-daughter anxiety.  All in all a good trip.

    I don't seem to think about cancer every waking minute anymore.  Just when I look in the mirror at my short hair!!  And when I have to take tamoxifen every day.  I just cannot get used to the way I look, no matter that people say it suits me.  Maybe another inch and then I can get extensions.

    No period for me yet.  My last one was the first day of my first chemo!  I'm 45, so maybe it isn't coming back.  My hands and feet are very painful first thing in the morning.  I think that is still a by-product of taxotere, but it could also be side effect joint pain from lack of estrogen.

    Next dr appt for me is endocrinologist to check my thyroid prescription.  Dr was concerned that the dosage may need to be tweaked because of the tamoxifen.

    I was also going to look into the sotto pelle testosterone pellets. Does anyone do this?  I have absolutely NO LIBIDO whatsoever.  It honestly doesn't bother me in the least, but I think my husband might have an issue with it!  HAHAHA.  Does anyone else do this?  I know 8 - 10 women who do it, and think it is the greatest thing ever.  I don't even know if I can do it, since my cancer was ER+/PR+.  But testosterone is a different animal, so maybe?  I feel old for my age, and I've never felt this way before.  I want to do something, but not be stupid.  The short hair doesn't help.  I now look like my mother!

    Anyway, hope you all are doing well!

    Laura 

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