Chemo June 2010

Headcoverings.com has some cute ones.  I'm going to order a couple for the fall.  And the TLC website - can't remember what the website name is.

Thanks, Daniela.  That's good to hear.  And I have a LARGE supply of nausea medicine, including Emend - so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. 

Dsa-->Nioxin is sold at many salons.  It was recommended by many ladies on a thread about hair.  Others just say to use baby shampoo, but I asked my hair guy about it and, as I said, turns out he uses it himself.  Plus I have a good friend who owns a hair salon in Kansas, and she highly recommended it as well--said I could even use the cleanser as a body wash.

Sorry to hear some are having a rough time, and need "cocktail" changes!  As much as I hate the days of being "out of it", and the nausea, I can't complain too much!  Only 2 rounds of this AC left, then on to Taxol, which is supposed to be easier (we'll see!).

I'm thinking of all of you, and hope eveyone is getting the se's worked out!

T

Hi girls!  I got my head shaved today.  It wasn't as bad as I thought.  She cut the hair and then buzzed it.  I had some sores/pimples on my head.  She put some aloe vera treatment on my head and then used some serum on the sores.  My head was still itchy, so I washed it when I got home to get rid of the little hair.  My hair was seriously shedding today.

So, I really love my wig.  The color is slightly different than my own - a little more reddish brown with blonde highlights.  I do love it.  I had her trim about 2 inches off because it's a long wig.  My hair was about midway between my shoulders and bra strap.  My husband wants me to keep my wig long, but it feels sort of showgirl-ish.  I think I'm going to stop in tomorrow and have some more length taken off.  One of my friends told me it has to feel like me.

Thanks mimi.

I have AC #3 tomorrow morning and of course I can't sleep and nervous and sad to have to feel blah all over again. Rough night.

Hi Ladies - I see much has happened since last logged on - hope everyone is doing well!  I thought I'd just check in.  It's been 6 days since my first TC, was in a fog for about 4 days with the last one being relatively worse than the others (generally just tired but with some mild joint pain and an on and off upset tummy.)  Yesterday almost felt normal (stayed awake the whole day!) but today my stomach is not my friend. 

I was wondering if anyone has experienced bad facial acne and dry patches (esp. around the mouth) and what, if anything has helped with the acne?  I don't want to use drugstore products as think will be too harsh on my skin (am waiting to hear back from my dr.)  I feel self concious when out, like being a teenager all over again! ha! 

Also my white blood cell count is relatively the same as before chemo (just a slight drop from 4.1 to 3.95) is this normal for my treatment stage?  I would have thought it would have dropped more, anyway am off for another blood test next week so let's see how it goes then.

All in all, doing okay and can't wait for the next TC as it means it's almost half way - woo hoo!  

sandiddstn - I had a mastectomy under 2 months ago and have been experiencing twinges of pain and increased redness along the scar lines.  I mentioned to my dr and she thinks it should be fine.  The key thing is to monitor it closely especially if it gets red, hot and/or painful as this may be a sign of infection - she said go to A&E straight away if this happens.  Hope this helps. 

Another day, another SE :-) Nosebleeds anyone?  I have been having some minor bleeding for the last week (just blood on tissue after I blow my nose), this morning I blew my nose and blood started streaming out. (sorry if this is a bit distasteful)  Saw the onc yesterday, he recommended some kind of nasal spray, I think he said it's called Ocean?  Anyone else having this and found a solution?  it wasn't really an issue until today, but if blood starts streaming down my face at the office I'm going to be pretty embarassed.

Julia

meliss-  I am on CMF l every 3 weeks X 6.  It is a much more tolerable regimen than some.  Be sure to go to the "CMF question"  discussion board.  It has been running since 2006.  Those ladies have been so helpful with my questions.  It is not a given that you will need the Neulasta shot (unless you have some known condition).  Many CMFers never get Neulasta.  Be sure to ask your Onc about the necessity of Steroids and Neulasta.  With CMF sometimes you can do without these.  It is  a very tolerable chemo.  Good luck.

For all you ladies with skin and head sores, I know there is a skincare line that is specifically designed for chemo patients.  Hollicolorado said the lavender serum was helpful.  I think the website is lindiskincare.com.  I know aromatherapists always use lavender oil to calm skin eruptions.  You might try some essential oil of lavender (wet your hands and drop a few drops in your palms) then rub on areas.  Do NOT use it undiluted, it's too strong.  I have used this for roseacea breakouts for years and it clears it right up.  It is also very calming which can't hurt!

Kitty, I have actually been feeling very guilty because I am making out so well with the whole thing.   Of course I know it may change anytime but for now I am going with it.  I didn't have a lot of feeling in the chest on the first fill but since then it has been coming back.  Other than the pain for the needle insertion in the port I haven't had much trouble.  I am taking Tylenol each time before I go but so far so good!  I am like you I want my final reconstruction done so I can be done by Christmas!  Here's hoping!

Okay ladies, it's time to saddle up and head for chemo camp for #2 tomorrow morning.  I'm a bit nervous, but once I get there I know I will be fine.  I hope they don't blow veins this time!  One thing about these deadlines every 3 weeks, I do get my house in order.  House is clean, laundry is done, beds are changed and refrigerator is full.  Now I am ready for a hot bath and bed. Sleep tight my friends.

I am planning on attending the "Look Good, Feel better" workshop next week, what kind of stuff do they do there? I have read that some of you have gone and just interesed on what to expect!

Thanks for the advice on the Witch Hazel! Is it like a type of oil you put on? And can you buy it from a drug store? I also noticed my scalp is breaking out too, its pretty sensitive. I find that Nioxin works and I wash my scalp every morning but by night time it is itchy again.

I also had bilat mast about 6.5 wks ago and it was pretty tight and pulling with swelling for first 4 weeks.  I started the stretchiing exercises and massaging all around the areas at 2 wks and it has really helped.  Still have some issues with pulling and tightness but is getting much better.  You have to sort of stretch things back out.  I massage a lot in the shower and can now raise both arms straight up and can reach behind my back to fasten clothes.  You can talk to your Doctor about having Physical Therapy if you are not getting better.  Also, you may have seromas that are fluid collections around surg sites that can be drained if large enough to do that.  Ultrasound is good to guide fluid drainage because they can see when they have it all.  Hope this helps.  I will pray for you to do as well as I have done and continue the battle to good health.  Hugs,gin2ca

I have a port-a-cath!! :-)

Spent 6 hours at the hospital yesterday (they told me it was a quick 30 min procedure - but I had complications), had an uncomfortable night last night, but today am feeling better - nothing that an OTC painkiller can't solve. I'm looking forward to using the port on Monday for my 3rd AC (well, not exactly looking forward to it, but definitely am happy they won't be digging around and bursting veins...)

 I'll let you know how it goes, but so far I would definitely recommend a port to anyone with problem veins and lots of treatments to do.

Cheyenna -

 My tumor was 3.4cm.  I had a uni mx ith immediate diep recon on Apr 6.  I am on TC x 4 21 days.  My margins were clean, but my onc said that my likelihood of recurrence would drop about 30% with the chemo. 

My first chemo was June 24.