Chemo June 2010

My mother will start her chemo June 23.  She will have TC X 4 every three weeks followed by Tamoxifen for five years.  I have been reading up on Penguin cold caps to prevent/ reduce hair loss but she's hesitant in trying them.  Her argument is that she "suppose" to have low risk of developing bc, due to her race and no cancer in family, but got it any way-- an aggressive one at that.  With her luck, she thinks she will be one of the 0.025% of people to develop scalp mets.  Ultimately, it is her choice and I do respect that.   But, it is going to be hard seeing MY MOM "looking like" a cancer patient.  I can't help but tear up right now just thinking about it.  She puts up a brave front in front of everyone, but I don't know how she really feels inside.  I HATE CANCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi... I would like to join the June group if you would allow.  I actually was scheduled to FINISH my chemo this month, on June 15.  I would be happy to share any knowledge or experiences I have gained through my time in chemo treatment, as well as offer any other support or tricks I learned. I do need to add that on Sunday June 13, I found a new lump just above my collar bone; I have seen both the surgeon and oncologist and have a PET scan on Tuesday hopefully to get the results on Wed.  I realize that may change whether you would want me to be part of your group and understand should you decide it is best that I don't.  I wouldnt want to freak anyone out and make them unsure of their treatment, etc. I can find another group that is experiencing that type of problem.

LuvUmom = I'm a March starter, just checking in.  One of my biggest worries about going bald was how my 16 year old daughter was going to take it.  At first she was a bit skittish to see me bald or to have her friends see me bald, but as time went on, I decided to skip the wig and the scarves and just be who I am.  My daughter and her friends are the biggest supporters.  As TMarina said - have fun with it - there are some really great wigs out there and really cute scarves.  

okiefarmgurl-Welcome!  Hey, you don't need permission to join this party, come on in!  Depending on your specifics, you may want to join several groups!  I pray you have good news after your PET scan.

mimi-you just gave me a good laugh and memory.  My mom lived in Hawaii.  After hurrican Iwa, there were huge mosquitos tormenting everyone.  She never got bitten.  When I asked her why, she replied "they don't like smoked meat" (she was a heavy smoker ).  Well, I guess Manitoba mosquitos don't like chemo meat.  Now you can add that to your list of why you love chemo!

luvumom-you will be a huge comfort to your mom.  Even when she looses her hair, it doesn't have to mean she will look sick...just bald.  Remember how cool Melissa Etheridge looked at the Grammys?  If your Mom needs to rock her beautiful bald head, I know you will be a great support for her.

Hello ladies!

Finally caught up with all of your posts - whew - quite a lot of them since the last time I was here. 

Welcome to our new members!  This is a great group with lots of encouragement and support.

Bit the bullet yesterday and had my head shaved.  Found the cutest wig - so cute that if my hair does grow back normally I'm going to have it styled that way.  I'll try to post bald/wig pics later.  Also bought a very cute bucket hat with embroidery on it for those days I don't want to wear a wig.  Bought a 2nd wig from tlc, but it's too large so I have to exchange it.  My stylist said she will trim it for me when I get it.  Also going to look in my fabric scrap box for things to make into scarves (someone mentioned a pattern for scarves that I'm going to Google later). 

My stylist told me that I have the beginning of some head sores, so every night I swab my head with witch hazel to clear out the pores and then wipe it off with a towel.  Feels real nice. 

Took the advice of one of our members on the boards here and started taking acididophus (sp?) in huge quantites (3 million units/pill) and that seems to have FINALLY quieted my bowls.  Not perfect, but at least I'm not running to the bathroom every hour and I can get out of the house for extended periods of time.  My only other problem is a constant running VERY SORE nose.  Feel like I just want to stuff a tissue up my nose and leave it there!  OUCH!  I'm assuming this is because I have NO nose hairs anymore!

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to wear under the wig?  I sweat so much it just runs into my eyes!  At this rate I'm going to have to clean my wig 2 or more times a week (NOT recommended).  My stylist said she doesn't like the nylon caps as it will make me hotter.  Need some good suggestions ladies!

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful Father's Day.  Going to cemetary later to visit with Dad and have a "talk" with him.  He's such a good listener!

Deb

Hello ladies... My name is Sandi, 49 yrs old, from TN.  The day my world chaged was April 12th 2010.  Told I had IDC.  Had bilateral mastectomy 6weeks ago.  Will start my first chemo Monday.  Go for port in morning and then to chemo.  I guess you guys know that I am sooo scared right now and since April BC is all that I can think of 24-7.. Do 12 weeks of Taxol 1st and then for 4 cycles of Adriamycin every 2 weeks.  They say I was in stage 3a grade 2, 7/15 nodes +.  Just wanted to start talking to someone who knows and feels how I do...

I see so many of you referring to steroids that you're taking during treatment. I haven't been prescribed any of those. I wonder if that would help with the onset of nausea.  Today has been a little better than the last two days.  I'm still queasy, but not as bad.  Problem is I can't drink too much before I get really sick.  I guess I need to call the onc on Monday and see if we can tweak the meds a little.  Today for the first time, I had a sort of breakdown.  If I can't kick this nausea, I don't think I can make it through 7 more treatments. I've tried the ginger - it tastse good but I seem to have a problem with the amount of liquid I take in.  Eating is almost non-existent.  My prayer is that by tomorrow I'll hopefully be much better. I'll try not to post again until I have something positive to relate.  Thanks for the encouragement though.  It really helps.

Sherry - If you can't keep liquid down, then def go to the ER. Or at least call your onco.  Someone should be on call over the weekend!

I am soooooooooooo tired today.  I just keep sleeping.  I can't get anything accomplished. 

Hi Sherry, I see you are in Tulsa?? I am close to Stillwater...Steroids are a very important part of treatment or so I was told by my oncologist...they give you energy, boost your appetite, not sure if they really have any affect on nausea. The steroids are started the day prior to chemo, 2 in the a.m. and 2 in the p.m. and the same the day of and the day after chemo.   What nausea meds are you taking? I have Emend and Zofran and that has controlled the nausea very well for the most part...the last two treatments (of 6) I had more nausea problems it seems.  The Emend is a miracle drug...it is taken the day of chemo and the next two days. The Zofran is for back up and does a great job.  I have had my 6 chemo treatments, started March 2. Will find out this week if I am going to have to have more or if I will start radiation in one month.

Hi-I started chemo 6-4-10.  TCH.  I am on day 16 and my hair is starting to fall out.  I know I want to shave it, but I am so scared.I keep hoping it is just thinning and wont continue.  I am bummed this weekend... Ugh

Hi Sherri,

Sorry you feel so awful. With each treatment, I am taking Emend and Dexamethesone for 3 days, plus Paloxi by IV before the treatment. Haven't had any nausea at all, and I understand that Emend is pretty much to thank for this. The Dex makes you really hungry, but it's worth it. I have my second treatment tomorrow and hope the nausea stays away. I believe that you should ask for and take whatever drugs you can to minimize the SE where possible. Speak to your onc or nurse and see what they can do for you - no need to suffer if it can be helped!

Hi Sandy - welcome to the group - we're here for you whenever you need :-) I have a similar diagnosis, and I am doing a similar treatment, but in reverse order. I'm still pre-surgery, and am currently doing 4 rounds of AC, and then 12 rounds of Taxol after that. Good luck for your first treatment, and remember - not everyone has all the side effects we all talk about, so cross fingers that you'll sail through this.

 Latte

Hi Ladies,

I am so sorry to hear about the ladies with the bad SE"s.  Please hang in there.  I am one of the lucky ones - other than being easily tired and funky metallic taste in my mouth I have managed to control mine fairly well.  I found a few foods that I could force down the first few days and stocked up on them.  For one, I found peanut butter on an english muffin worked.  Also, found that fat free pudding went down ok.  I got a terrible headache after about day 3 and it finally dawned on me part of it is the lack of caffeine!  Dah!  Anyway, I called Onc and he said ok to take a couple Tylenol but do it sparingly.  So it is helping. 

I found myself suffering from increasing anxiety over the hair fall out thing so this weekend we shaved my head.  DH did it for me and we had fun with it.  I even got a mohawk before it was all said and done!  Let me tell you - the cool head thing really helped with the hot flashes!  Woohoo!    I have been going around the house "bald" most of the weekend but wearing hats when we go out.  I actually have a wig but need it styled because the bangs are a bit long.  Now that I don't have my hair I can get the hairdresser to take care of me. 

I am heading back to work tomorrow.  It has been two months.   I am going to limit the travel (I usually fly to NJ every 3 weeks) and work from home more but it will be good to get back to to work.  I need something to occupy the space between treatments.  

Well, hugs to the group!  For those with the SE's I hope they ease soon.  For those without SE's I hope you continue with that luck! 

sherry-  please, please put a call in to your Onc.  I bet they would be upset with you if you DON'T call them with as much nausea as you have had.  Especially during the first few days after chemo, you have to drink LOTS.  It is important to stay hydrated and also important to flush the strong chemicals out of your liver.  A lot of ladies have to get IV fluids to hydrate if they can't drink enough.  Remember, the doctors are here to get you healthy.  Don't think you are bothering them even if it is after hours.  They would want to know that the nausea is going on so long.

sandi-  Welcome!  We'll be thinking about you tomorrow.  Be sure to hydrate well before your chemo.  Also, I would recommend pumping up your fruit and fiber tonight and tomorrow.  The anti nausea meds can REALLY constipate (trust me I know).  I had my first chemo last week.  The anticipation turned out to be worse than the actual treatment.  You are going to do fine.  We'll be right here if you need us.

Anyone dealing with extreme fatigue?  I am just so tired today.  I've slept most of the day.  I'm eating well - lots of protein and good foods.  And I'm drinking tons of water and fluids.

Hi ladies

I had my first cycle of FEC 100 on June 4. I've been lucky, minimal side effects. One strange thing though:  breathlessness and episodes of chest pain. I've had a series of tests and will meet with onc tomorrow to review results. I am due for second infusion on June 25 and would really like to avoid the chest pain. It was scary. Anyone else experience this? 

Like other girls posting here, I started losing my hair. I think it's harder on my hubby and kids than it is on me. I have a wig but it just feels wrong. Don't know if I will feel different when the time comes, Maybe I will be okay with scarves.

Cheers.