2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Options
1…1920222425…341

Comments

  • daydream
    daydream Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2005

    Pardon my butting in, but I do know something about psychoactive drugs. I would get off the Xanax as soon as you can, but talk to your doctor FIRST. A longer-acting anxiolitic (anxiety reducing drug)like Ativan would be much better and less likely to cause dependence. It's your business, but I think there are a lot better drugs for anxiety than Xanax. They will all make you rather tired, spacey, but who of us doing chemo isn't already?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • daydream
    daydream Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2005

    Good luck, Paula. I didn't find the actual chemo session any problem. Listen carefully to what they tell you, as far as controlling symptoms. Don't feel you have to be brave and not take the drugs for nausea, sleep, etc.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005

    Really, thanks for the info...I certainly don't want to get hooked. I haven't taken any as yet.....I heard Ativan wasn't good either, they wouldn't give me that.......

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • daydream
    daydream Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2005

    They wouldn't give it to you? Why? It's less addictive than Xanax. If your taking it as prescribed for a short period of time, you can't get easily addicted. I just talked to the nurse yesterday about it. It has really helped me with sleep. They also gave it to me to help with nausea.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005

    I have no idea why they wouldn't give it to me.......I have taken Ativan before, but that was probably 10 yrs ago and had no problem with it....although I used to cut them in half because I have a pill phobia, always worried about the side effects....I guess it just doesn't matter any more after all this chemo, can't get any worse than that....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • daydream
    daydream Member Posts: 69
    edited November 2005

    I have no idea, either! All I know is, I take a small dose of Ativan and I am able to sleep. A little oblivion is good!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sherryhaire
    sherryhaire Member Posts: 192
    edited November 2005

    Taking Ativan sure saved me from the nausea this go around, and it does help me sleep, I do not take it all the time but when needed it sure helps

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RoseMarie
    RoseMarie Member Posts: 502
    edited November 2005
    Well, I did it...I had my head shaved last night (it really is empowering!!) and got my new wig! My new wig looks just like my "real do" so my kids did't even notice and my husband kept commenting about how natural it looked.
    I didn't even think about feeling in control until I read all of your courageous posts! This is tough...but we are tougher!!! I haven't been bold enough to walk around bald yet...I'm so afraid of freaking my kids out. We have been 100% with them about everything - they even know I'm bald -they'll see me bald soon enough...
    Wearing my wig to the FSU football game today ...go Noles!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005
    Rosemarie, I am glad to hear you found a wig that makes you look like yourself....Your lucky...Is it real hair?
    It was not a good night for me last night, Have any of you girls experienced what feels like excess air in the esophagus? I was up all night burping and hiccuping...it was horrible not to say it hurt......I think constipation may have something to do with it....stool softeners aren't working this time....I am thinking of going and buying a enema any suggestions? I am afraid to eat because I don't want to get any more bound up....
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AnnaM
    AnnaM Member Posts: 1,387
    edited November 2005
    One glass of prune juice in the morning, or, if you can't stomach that, have four or five prunes. They aren't too bad and they work gently.

    I had my head shaved yesterday and am very relieved I took charge. I told my hairdresser to leave a little velcro fuzz and I absolutely love rubbing my hand over my head. I can't believe how perfectly round my head is; I thought I'd have lots of dips and bumps. Also, my ears are so tiny; who knew? I have a wig but like wearing a cotton cap with a baseball cap over top, it makes me feel very cool indeed. The wig is cute, but the do is so nice and so much better than my real hair, that out of respect for my own hair and its tendency toward bad-hairedness, I think I'll go with the cap most of the time.

    I am rummaging around for some dangling earrings. Might as well have fun......

    Anna
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moondanzr
    moondanzr Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2005
    Hugs to all,

    I have read thru all your posts and it does help. I had my port cath inserted the 28th with minimal discomfort and will have my first infusion of A/C on November 9th.

    I seldom write to this board but find it does help just to lurk.

    Read about the Xanax and it scares me. I am on Xanax for break-thru panic attacks as well as clonazepam for panic disorder. This BC thing has kicked up the panic disorder big time for me and the clonazepam alone wasn't doing it for me anymore.

    Prior to this I had the doc wean me off of Xanax ten years ago and never needed it since. I can't take Ativan as it makes me very jumpy.

    After 4 doses of A/C I will have 4 doses of Taxol. I read about the muscle and bone pain it can cause. I have fibromyalgia which causes muscle pain on a good day so this is also a scary thing for me.

    I know none of my post will help anyone else as I have yet to have my first infusion but find all of your posts help me.

    I find journeling and seeing a counselor to vent my feelings to help also.

    Hugs to all you brave women!!!
    Nancy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nancy-SanDiego
    Nancy-SanDiego Member Posts: 127
    edited November 2005
    Rosemarie and Anna, doesn't your head feel great. You're right , there are features that just seem to pop when you're not distracted by hair. Went to a fancy dinner at Four Seasons last night (bald) and felt terrific. It certainly helps that my fells says it is very sexy and people tell me I look younger. Wow.

    Gracie, hope this finds you more comfortable and comforted today. This disease just turns everything upside down.

    Nancy, I hopefully start on Monday. Like you, I have some other health issues (malabsorption) so there is the concern about how will chemo impact other problems--we'll soon know, won't we.

    I've heard many say that in the really bad days (and nights) they chose to just sleep through it.

    Hugs to my fellow travelers.

    Nancy K
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • karlahook
    karlahook Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2005
    Graycie,

    I had problems with constipation after first chemo....took colace every day to help...it didn't work until I was off the steroids. But once I was off I was fine.

    Karla Hook
    Grapevine, TX
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005

    Karla, I took colace after my first treatment and had no problem but this time it didn't work....Next time I will take it ahead of time...I don't want to go through this again. Grayce

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005

    Thanks Nancy, I am feeling a little better today, just tired...I am also getting the dreaded mouth sores......Grayce

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nancy-SanDiego
    Nancy-SanDiego Member Posts: 127
    edited November 2005

    I hear the Biotene several times a day works. I think others have found salt and/or baking soda rinses help. Hopefully onc has given you some suggestions. Take it easy, dear friend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005

    Nancy, I think that coming down from all the steroids, etc is giving us panic attacks..I know after I stop them is when I start feeling out of control, shaky, etc.....As scared as I am about taking anything I did end up taking a Xanax last night and it did seem to help a little...It didn't last too long though which is good I guess.....I am going to try and take them sparingly.....I don't want to get hooked...Grayce

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005

    Thanks Nancy, I just called and I am waiting for him to call back.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    I was also crying and crying when my hair started falling out on day 13 after first chemo. Then, I had it shaved and felt much better. I do wear a wig when I'm out--I'm not as brave as some of you! But, I did find that my anticipation of it falling out was worse than just getting it shaved off. I keep telling myself--this, too, shall pass.
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Member Posts: 109
    edited November 2005
    Quote:

    It was not a good night for me last night, Have any of you girls experienced what feels like excess air in the esophagus? I was up all night burping and hiccuping...it was horrible not to say it hurt......I think constipation may have something to do with it....stool softeners aren't working this time....I am thinking of going and buying a enema any suggestions? I am afraid to eat because I don't want to get any more bound up....



    I have had this problem both 1st and 2nd chemo--2nd time (a week ago) has been worse in this regard. I was taking Sennokot beforehand and during plus prunes, but it wasn't working, so took Colace and it worked a little--but I was still having the terrible bloating/gas/acid stomach thing up thru yesterday. I have also been taking Prevacid, but it seemed to stop working--so I called the nurse yesterday afternoon and they prescribed Nexium. Took one last night and it got better--I am much better today.

    I think not eating will make the constipation and acid stomach worse. You might try eating small amounts every couple of hours and emphasize fruits and vegies if you can. That being said, all that only helped me a little this week. I hope Chemo #3 is better.
    Jane
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marymelodi
    marymelodi Member Posts: 515
    edited November 2005
    Just wanted to check in with you all. I'm on day 9 after first A/C. Finally have some appetite and energy. But, now have sore throat, dry cough, and nothing tastes good. My hair is still on my head. I don't think I will cry about losing it, but what do I know? It hasn't happened and maybe I won't be a brave as I think. I did cut off 24 inches for Locks of Love on Wednesday and that felt good. Although, one of my friends said, "So, some little kid will get a wig of gray hair." I said, "Hey, not every hair on my head was gray!" If I do lose my hair, when I grows back, I may just have it colored completely white. I've always thought pure white hair is beautiful!

    Hope everyone has a good day of peace and well being. You are all special ladies and we are all good for each other. No body but you gals knows quite what it is like to face this experience and live to tell all about it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2005
    It's day 5 after my chemo, I have more energy today after having slept 12 hours last night. I have been working everyday and then going to sleep as soon as I get home. My mom has been with me this time so she is watching my 4 year old.

    I, too, am having the heartburn!! It's terrible. I have a sore throat as well. I have my grocery list ready: watermelon, cantaloupe, prunes and for some reason --- steak.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005
    Well,I think I have a problem...As you all can see I can't seem to stay away from the discussion board....I am just so grateful that I found all you girls to help me through this difficult time....It helps to know we aren't alone....

    Jane...I'm not brave about the hair either. I also did a lot of crying. I am sure I will ge over it once I get over the shock..I am also taking your advice and trying to eat more fruits and veggies.....As you, I hope #3 goes better..

    Mary...Wow, you had long hair and how nice of you to donate it to locks of Love... That has to make it easier on you knowing that it went to a good cause.....Mine is just a big clump in the thrash can........Unfortunately I didn't have enough to donate...
    Grayce
    4 A/C, 4 T, started 10/17
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • karlahook
    karlahook Member Posts: 12
    edited November 2005
    Graycie,

    I'm with you I'm hooked on this site...I haven't posted much but it has helped so much to know what everyone else is going through and that some of my complaints are the same. I've also learned what to expect.

    Ok...now the hair thing...I went and got a nice wig from the American Cancer Society. It was free so double bonus. When I got it home I decided that I wanted to put it on and see if my husband would notice that is was a wig. The bangs were hanging funny so I tried to fix them...and melted them a little. I just broke down...my daughter wasn't sure what to do. It was horrible...I felt like I am losing my hair and I ruined the only hair I would have. But I'm over it now...I think I just needed a good cry about losing my hair and it was kind of a pity party of one.

    Karla Hook
    1st chemo 10/24 next 11/14
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ake
    ake Member Posts: 684
    edited November 2005
    what's wrong with having a good cry about losing our hair? it's not a pity party...it truly sucks.

    i've been bald, but stubbly for 2 weeks and finally, the stubble on my head is falling out like crazy...all over my pillow. my husband used a lint brush on my head and it was covered in stubble. i just want it off. completely started to cry about it. anyone else have a way to get the stubble off? it's just barely clinging.

    -amy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited November 2005

    OK, this is crazy, but I am actually thinking about having my husband shave my head tomorrow. My hair probably won't be ready to come out until Wed or Thurs (Thurs is day 13), but for some reason I am feeling that I should JUST DO IT!!! Am I crazy? Am I going to regret missing these last 3 or 4 days that I could have had hair????

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stacey2930
    stacey2930 Member Posts: 210
    edited November 2005

    Go ahead and shave it now... it will be traumatic if you wake up and its on your pillow on Tuesday! Take the ole bull by the horns, grit your teeth and do it! ( okay now I need the same pep talk when I shave my head:)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TracySeattle
    TracySeattle Member Posts: 690
    edited November 2005
    sls3344 - you just let me know when you are ready and I will have the pep talk for ya! :-)

    ps - I will let you know if I really did get that brave....
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Graycie
    Graycie Member Posts: 839
    edited November 2005

    I agree, If you are brave enough to do it go ahead and do it when it first starts to fall out........if not, it ends up everywhere...but, if it hasn't started to fall out yet I would wait, maybe you will be one of the lucky ones that doesn't lose it all.....

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marymelodi
    marymelodi Member Posts: 515
    edited November 2005
    In my earlier post I did not mean to imply there is anything wrong with crying about losing one's hair. I think that will be a traumatic loss and a public event. So much of what happens is just private, but hair loss, it's out there and everybody knows it. I haven't really cried about breast cancer since the day of my diagnosis. I cry about how kind people are and how thankful I am for friends and family, but not yet about the pain and discomfort and loss. I don't think I've denied what's been happening, but I just haven't yet had a good cry. Perhaps it will come eventually. One thing I've learned from these last 3 months, since finding the tell-tale lump is that I have no way to predict anything. I never know what will come next.

    I cope by talking about it alot. Tonight going to the grocery store my husband let me know in a kind way (for him) that it is the only thing I talk about and I need to give it a rest. I told him I need to talk about all my worries. He is kind of like an ostrich with his head in the sand. I have to admit he has been pretty patient. He said he knows I need to talk and he will listen, but I have to have another subject some of the time. The problem is . . . what other subject is there? While walking the grocery store aisles I pondered how my world has narrowed down in these months. That's a change I naively did not expect.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories