April 2010 starting chemo

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  • caltex_catlady
    caltex_catlady Member Posts: 136
    edited July 2010

    During my taxol, I lost a little more hair a few strands at a time, but there wasn't much left to worry about and it wasn't too much at a time. I was even getting a little fuzz back but still had a few long (3 in.) strands here and there left, especially at my hairline, that never fell out, so I was looking pretty scraggly. I shaved it all yesterday so I can start from scratch. I'm not sure if it will grow in evenly even so, but it'll probably look a little less like Pigpen.

    My eyebrows thinned with taxol, although they're very fair so I usually look like I don't have much anyway unless I add some color. And the eyelashes have been spotty. On my right eye, the inner third have gone but others are there, maybe thinned out a bit. Using mascara just emphasizes the missing ones, so I just use eyeliner when I go out. I'm actually going to try some false lashes, but if they look too goofy, I'll just go back to the liner.

    I've heard that brows and lashes have a shorter growth cycle, so although they may fall out again, they should grow back more quickly. I'm just glad my chin hairs haven't grown back yet Smile

    Karen

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  • JenC
    JenC Member Posts: 382
    edited July 2010

    Karen - Thanks for the info.  The things we have to endour but we all will get through.  Hoping your hcil hairs stay away toSealed.  My peach fuzz is very soft and my son likes to rub my head (hes 5) so hoping that it stays that way.  He loves "rubbing mommys fuz"... 

    Jen

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  • curious_one
    curious_one Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2010

    Emme--

    You've definitely made a good decision to get away for a few weeks and to move into a safe house to promote healing.

    Wishing you a peaceful and healing retreat  and a positive start to a full and rewarding present and future..

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  • DancerMel28
    DancerMel28 Member Posts: 122
    edited August 2010

    Hi everyone,

    I found this article link on another forum and just had to share it.  As we're all heading towards the end of all this treatment I think it could come in handy - I was nodding my head in agreement all the way through as I read it.

    http://www.cancercounselling.org.uk/northsouth/extra4.nsf/WebResClient/1761049276601BD68025735B00604834/$FILE/article3.pdf?openElement

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  • Julia123
    Julia123 Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2010

    DancerMe, that is a great article - thank you for sharing it!

    All of it resonates, but that part about loss of confidence is especially true for me. My whole life, I was always the fearless one in my group of friends, whether in adventures or thought process - the don't worry about tomorrow or fret about anything because nothing will hurt me type. So, this newfound loss of confidence and fearfulness about the future is terrifying and so NOT ME. It helps to have it said aloud as in that article, and know I'm not alone in that.

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  • arubajan05
    arubajan05 Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2010

    Yes, DancerMe, Thank you so much for sharing.  I have found myself surprised by some of my feelings lately... they just don't seem to be me. The article offered a lot of insight and I think I may share it with my hubby and some of my close friends so that they might understand me better right now. THANK YOU!

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  • toughmom38
    toughmom38 Member Posts: 79
    edited August 2010

    I am 11 days PFC and feeling pretty good.  I was able to work out for the first time since early May and while I wasn't able to do my whole workout I was just happy I could do anything!  I managed the elliptical machine for 10 minutes, then worked out with some weights.  I'll get rid of these 12 pounds I have gained since April if it's the last thing I do!!!

    I still have my eyelashes but the brows had thinned a little.  Kind of liked not having to shave legs and armpits for 3 months, but will be happy to put up with it if it means I can have hair on my head again!  I feel like that's all I think about anymore-is my hair growing?  I do a nightly "hair growth" check in front of the bathroom mirror...am I crazy?

    I have a final appointment with my mastectomy surgeon this Friday.  I guess to just check and see how I made it through chemo and make sure my incisions have healed.  Then I have an appointment with my PS on the 24th for a consultation about getting these awful tissue expanders out.  Should be able to schedule that surgery for mid Sept.

    Hope everyone has a great week!

    Jennifer

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  • Char2010
    Char2010 Member Posts: 532
    edited August 2010

    Jennifer - My last chemo was June 18th and I check for signs of hair regrowth every chance I have.  It is coming but seems so very slow.  Can't wait to get rid of the wig.

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  • shells43
    shells43 Member Posts: 1,022
    edited August 2010

    Hey April Ladies,

    The May chemo ladies are posting their bald heads! Since we are almost done with our chemos, maybe we can do it too as a tribute! Our hair will soon be back, yeah. As you can see, I look fantastic with no hair (not!) but I'm so over it, I really don't care anymore! :P

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  • dutchgirl6
    dutchgirl6 Member Posts: 673
    edited August 2010
    Great idea, Shelley.  Here is my new pic, with my sister who I just spent a lovely week with, I miss her already.  In case any of you were wondering, I'm the one on the left.Wink
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  • farfaith
    farfaith Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2010

    glade to see we have some finished and some on their way.

    hot flashes yep have had them for sense my 5 th treatment wet with sweet night and day off and on drives me nuts. still have them and been done with chemo sence the 14th going to talk to dock about it wen. i am 31 it would be nice to not have the monthly thing but i can deal without the hot flashes. and to the bathroom every 2 hr at night. the neropithy is bugging me and i have been retaining  flew id in my legs dock said it might get better i hope it dose.

    girls keep fighting. i have surgery fri. both breasts mastectomy so ill be away for awhile you all will be in my prayers.

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  • JenC
    JenC Member Posts: 382
    edited August 2010

    Farfaith - good luck with your surgery and I hope all goes well and you have a speedy recovery.  thoughts are with you.

    Jen

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  • shells43
    shells43 Member Posts: 1,022
    edited August 2010

    Hey Karin,

    I took a picture with my Sis, too! 

    Karin

    Karin

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  • shells43
    shells43 Member Posts: 1,022
    edited August 2010

    Was trying to paste a picture in here. Just got a box with an x in it. Anyone know how?

    or go to my Facebook page, I just wanted to share a picture of me & my sister Karin

    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1405879234#!/photo.php?pid=1449366&id=1405879234&ref=album&fbid=1534187840398

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited August 2010

    Farfaith - good luck on Friday - hope everything goes well with a speedy recovery!!

    Well asked my dr yesterday about my bloody nose and he says that he doesn't believe it is the Taxol!! WHAT!!! Ohh those drs.

    Only 7 more to go!! Yeah! Will see if I can get a naked head picture on here!!

     Kelli

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  • saralmom
    saralmom Member Posts: 329
    edited August 2010

    Farfaith - good luck with your surgery - wishing you all the best for a smooth recovery.

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  • dutchgirl6
    dutchgirl6 Member Posts: 673
    edited August 2010

    Farfaith, thank you for your prayers, and know that you will be in my thoughts.  I hope all goes well with your surgery and you have an uneventful recovery.

    Shelley, I tried using the hotlink to your Facebook page, but it said "content not found".  I have had this before with FB links.  Can I add you as a friend?  You can pm me with your profile name. Thanks.

    Hope everyone is having a good week!

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  • DancerMel28
    DancerMel28 Member Posts: 122
    edited August 2010

    kad22 - I had bloody nose during taxotere which is related to taxol (I think?).  Mine cleared up about 3 1/2  weeks after my last chemo dose so I'm definitely sure it was the taxotere.  My Onc said the nose just gets very sensitive and it doesn't take much for it to bleed - just advised me to try not to blow it at all (I took to 'dabbing' at my dirppy nose instead of blowing it all out - annoying but seemed to calm the blood noses a bit but didnt' stop altogether) and also be careful not to bump it. It was annoying as I ended up feeling clogged up from the dried blood but it did pass and quite quickly once I stopped. Hope the same for you!

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited August 2010

    DancerMel28 - thanks I know it's from the taxol and just wish that once my onc would agree with my SEs!! ;-)

    Hello to everyone it's been awhile since anyone has posted - hope we are all doing well!

    Well I have to complain - sorry in advance! I am on my fifth Taxol and my hair has started to come out again! Yikes! Man I really thought it would grow back during taxol but o-well. Hopefully eyelashes and brows stay in place this go around! How is everyone else's hair growing back? Good news I hope!

    Good luck to everyone still doing treatments and to Farfaith for this Friday!!

    Kelli

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  • shells43
    shells43 Member Posts: 1,022
    edited August 2010

    FarFaith,

    Good luck tomorrow. I have you on my prayer list.

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  • marcy4
    marcy4 Member Posts: 162
    edited August 2010

    Farfaith,

    Wishing you all the best on Friday and hoping for  speedy recovery.

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  • JenC
    JenC Member Posts: 382
    edited August 2010

    Kadd22 - I have very soft peach fuz but with my second T tomorrow, thinking I might loose that in a while but hoping not:)

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  • DancerMel28
    DancerMel28 Member Posts: 122
    edited August 2010

    Hello everyone,

    Well I've had my surgery last week to fix my scar - all is going well so far. Had the dressing taken off yesterday and it's looking soooooo much better - I just hope it continues healing well with no infections this time (fingers crossed!).  I had my first appointment with rads onc on wed - I'm changing centres for rads to be closer to home (45 min instead of 3 hour drive each way) so I was abit nervous at first but they were all really nice and doc was excellent put me at ease straight away.  As I have to wait for incision to heal I'm boked in to start in less than 2 weeks - have my planning session first next wed then begin a week after that.  Have 6 weeks of driving to do. 

    But I am getting so excited - I can finally see the end is coming!!!!  I'm going to see my boss next week about easing back into work once I finish rads. I've decided not to go back full time to begin with (teaching full time is just abit too much right now stamina wise) so will start slowly and see how I go. 

    Hope everyone is well - things are a little quiet on here at the moment. Hopefully it's just that everyone is out in the sunshine enjoying SE free days!  Wish it was summer here - I'm so over the winter chill! Smile

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  • SGJ05
    SGJ05 Member Posts: 73
    edited August 2010

    DancerMel--Thanks for the article, it was perfect:) I think people forget when you are done with chemo, there are still emotions you are dealing with, they seem to assume you will get right back to the way you were before. Thanks again for sharing it!! I also see you are starting Rads, Good luck!!! I start on Monday:)

    Char2010 and Toughmom38--I have been checking for hair growth too, lol. I did notice before my last treatment that my leg hair was strating to come back in patches, unfortunately my eyebrows seem to be thinning a bit more--maybe they are traveling to my legs, haha! I cannot wait to have hair again!!

    Farfaith--Good Luck with surgery, may you have a rapid recovery with little pain!!!!

    Well, I officially start Rads on Monday. I went in for the CT and markings on Tuesday:) Although I know the s/e won't be as bad as chemo, I still feel really nervous about starting?! Hopefully I won't have any major side effects!!

     Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the start of the weekend:)

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited August 2010

    DancerMel28 - Didn't know you are a teacher! What grade(s) do you teach? I am the school librarian media specialist at my elementary school. I can't wait to get back into the swing of things! Didn't realize you were in Australia either!! WOW didn't know it was winter there - how cold does it get by you?

    Well I have gotten my first mouth sore - yuck! It hurts - what to do? Can't remember what others have done - suggestions? I wanted to go to the state fair this Sunday but won't be able to eat if my tongue gets worse!!! Have to have the cream puff, corn on the cob, cheese curds, etc.... Smile

    Hope everyone has a SE free weekend!

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  • dutchgirl6
    dutchgirl6 Member Posts: 673
    edited August 2010

    kad22, I haven't had mouth sores, but have had that weird sandpaper like feeling on my tongue, gums and roof of the mouth.  I used a baking soda rinse, 1/2 tsp. mixed with 1 cup of warm water.  Other people have used biotene mouthwash, but I found that my rinse worked for me.  I hope that you can find something to help, it would be awful to go to the state fair and not be able to enjoy all the gourmet goodies, not to mention the discomfort from the sores.

    I seem to have some hair growth, on my head, and I am very excited.  However, I have one more Docetaxel (next week) and I am afraid that it will all fall out again Frown, so I am trying not to fixate on it.  I did notice some leg hairs, I think that I am like SGJ05, it is probably travelling down from my eyebrows and lashes.  

    DancerMel, I'm glad that your surgery seems to have gone well, also that your rads will be a bit closer to home.  

    Happy Friday everyone

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  • saralmom
    saralmom Member Posts: 329
    edited August 2010

    Kad - when I had a couple of bad mouth sores, I had relief from a rinse of warm water, baking soda and salt.  I think it was a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt to 1 cup water?  I did it 3 times a day when I remembered.  

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  • JenC
    JenC Member Posts: 382
    edited August 2010

    Kad22 - dont forget the fried dough:)  Have a great time at the fair.  I had mouth issues with my first AC and my Onc prescribed the "magic mouthwash" it numbs your mouth a little and throat so things dont hurt when you eat and it helped get rid of it within a few days.  You swish it and swallow it before each meal up to 4 times a day.  If you call your Onc they will probably just call you in a script, at least they did for me without eaven seeing me..

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  • kad22
    kad22 Member Posts: 191
    edited August 2010

    Hi All - thanks for those suggestions! I was just using warm water and salt and it seemed to do the trick - YEAH!

    Today was my first day to shave my underarms!! My DH and daughter didn't understand why I am happy to have to shave my armpits again!! But I am!

    Tomorrow the fair - just hope it's not too hot - it's only supposed to be 90!! HA!

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  • arubajan05
    arubajan05 Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2010

    Hey Kad22 ~ Enjoy the fair!  I wish I could get some cheese curds out here in CA. I love them. I used to get them at Culver's when I lived in Ohio. 

    Well, I started rads on Thursday (35 treatments). My first week they are at 7am!  YIKES! Then they move back to 7:30am! For seven weeks... I am not an early bird! But in a way I guess I am looking forward to having it first thing and not worrying about it all day. The first 2 treatments have been fine and I was told to use only Aloe on my breast 2 or 3x/day. I have been so weepy these days... I am not sure if it is from the Tamoxifen or just coming down from the chemo. I am SO over being bald and my eyebrows too have thinned so much in the last 2 weeks or so. I do have some soft "stubble" on my legs though too so I guess that's good news, right?

    (((Hugs))) to all!

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