Calling all TNs

Yes, my finger and toe nail were put on ice during each Taxotere infusion and I didn't have any trouble whatsoever with my nails. I would highly recommend putting them on ice for ther enture duration of Taxotere infusion. Actually, I used clear nail strengthener, too, and my nails were never better because I took such good care of them at the time.

My dr told me to cut my nails short to avoid breakage and hangnails which could get infected.  I didn't, couldn't, wouldn't.  I didn't have any problem with mine, but like Sugar I took really good care of them.  The drs like to look at you nail beds as an indicator (For what?  I can't remember) so I was told not to wear polish.  I guess you could get a fungus infection and not know it until it was well seated.

I need to stop filing...papers, not my nails.  I save my filing for one day a week, and wear latex gloves while I do.  So wish they hadn't got rid of our assistant!

Barb (and other taking AC):  My AC got worse as time went on.  My onco said it's cumilative and the SE's can get worse with each infusion.  Mine did.  About the 3rd or 4th AC is when I had my breakdown at the onco's office.  I was a mess.  A lot of it was work stress, but the AC wasn't helping. I would get so frustrated with my chemo brain.  I forget conf calls and details.  My train of thought would drift. 

SO... my onco put me on weekly Taxol instead of dose dense.  My quality of life is much better.  I don't feel as awful and I don't need the Neulasta shot (had one Neupogen shot last week due to low WBC's).  No queasiness at all.  I do get tired (and cranky) about 2 days after chemo.  I just had my 8th chemo today - only 4 more to go.  Some of my nails are dark underneath (like my thumbs and big toes).  It hurts sometimes to thumb at my Blackberry, so I try to use my fingers.  My nails are very strong and I keep them relatively short (like a quarter inch past my nail bed).  I always have nail polish on them.  I use TREE TEA OIL on them every day.  I read somewhere on BCO that it helps.  I also take L-Glutamine. 

My hair is starting to grow back (started on week 6 of Taxol).  I am very excited for this.  My hair down there is also starting to grow back, so hopefully soon I'll stop peeing sideways.    My nose hairs have also started to grow.  I've lost almost all of my brows and lashes on Taxol, but I'm seeing some new growth. YAY!   

Thank you for reminding me about the poop.  I need to go eat some prunes.  Fruit, veggies and prunes have been my life saver as I have also developed Cactus Butt!  Ouch!  I was trying to use meds to help, but natural whole fruits/veggies have helped more (imagine that).  Plus, it might help that the AC is getting out of my system.  I hate that stuff!!! 

I am a little scared to be done with everything and have to monitor my BC, esp with TNBC.  I am also getting my ovaries removed because I'm BRCA1+.  I am not looking forward to that, but at least I already know what a hot flash feels like.  I have them every day.  This started on Taxol, but I only got one period at the beginning of AC.  Since then, no period. 

On the subject of hair (again)... I got a brunette wig (see profile pic).  I was brunette until I started getting gray hairs, so I started highlighting my hair, which turned into a whole lot of blonde.  Even though I'm about 25% gray now, I think I'm going back to being a brunette.  I really like the color.  I'm not looking forward to the growing out phase, but I am excited to see more hair on my head! 

AC number 2 today.  My bowels are a little loose this a.m.  Not the infamous Hershey squirts we talk about on here but, passing easily and I don't dare pass gas!!.  I hate to take the Immodium and set myself back since I tend to have constipation problems but I sure don't want loose bowels during infusion!!   I use the lidocaine cream, at 10:30 on my port site, cover with Saran Wrap and then I go in at 11:30 for them to draw my blood, send it to the hospital for eval., then I see the Nurse Practitioner at 12:30 and if all is a go, I get the AC.  My husband asked me this morning if we had anything to do after beside pick up medicine and come home and do supper and I said, "yeah, peel me off the cieling all evening!"  The Decadron really hypes me up and the Lorazapam doesn't work to well at calming me down.  Wish me luck and I may just take that Immodium anyway.

Juanita

Good news for all those with BRCA mutations:

http://www.newswise.com/articles/women-with-both-triple-negative-breast-cancer-and-brca-mutations-have-lower-risk-of-recurrence

"My hair down there is also starting to grow back, so hopefully soon I'll stop peeing sideways.  "

Oh, I just had to laugh, because the first time it happened to me, I was so startled and it took me awhile to figure out WHY that happened. LOL

Colored my hair today, and was able to weave in some highlights, too.  It still isn't long enough to spike very well, but after straightener, blow-drying, pomade, and spray, it's as good as it's going to get for now---and it's better than it was!  Waiting for DH to get home and comment.

KittyKat - I LOVE the brunette wig - the color looks great.

MBJ - Your new look is wonderful too

I so need to update my profile picture, but that would mean getting in front of a camera.

Michele - Isn't that crazy how our bodies react.......I shared the story because while embarrassing, it is funny.

Today was my last chemo. HOORAY!!!!

I changed my avatar - thought I would show everyone what I really look like.  Took this picture myself (in the mirror) today.

I will be sick all next week but everyday I can just say this is the last Monday I will be sick. This is the last ....., I'll be sick.  I get the day after shot tomorrow, then see the Dr. on Monday and nothing else for October.  I get the referral for the Radiologist on Monday so hopefully I can get that all scheduled to start on November 1st.  I am hoping to be done by Christmas.

AGAIN - CHEMO IS OVER! 

Swanny - such great news! Congratulations!!

MicheleS  - too funny I pooped in my pants in Target also!!! ;-) Not kidding! Though I was the only one and was way too embarssed to admit to anyone but you gals!

Well feeling pretty good this week after no chemo this past Monday!! Yeah!

Have a great Friday!!

jwtr: I also drove myself to rads I had 40 including boosters.  It wasn't too bad, but certainly don't do it if you don't feel up to driving or not safe! Be safe.