Chemo May 2011

I finished in 1/11, and I have noticed I have chemo treatment amnesia- kind of like childbirth amnesia. Since I have 3 children I must have somehow "forgotten" how much it hurt and how lousy I felt.

Stats, I shaved my head when my hair started to fall out, my head is not as mis-shapened as I feared. I used wigs, hats,scarves, and nothing. I loved not having to shave my legs! My house got very clean on pretreatment steroid days, I took pain meds when needed and never apologized for staying in bed when I needed to. I worked except for the 4 days after treatment- regimen was TCH plus neulasta x 6 rounds, I finish herception 10/11. I used a port, I've finished 4 baby quilts during chemo

Cyborg - good to see you back on the boards!

neecee - ha ha.  Then I'm an idiot too.  Had Taxol yesterday and would rather be home than at work today, but gotta plug through it!  Have a good day!

linda614,

my scalp was hypersensitive before and during the shedding of hair.  it felt like being ripped apart actually.  when 90% of my hair was gone, the sensitivity went away as well.

Laureen

Lauren, thinking of you today.

To all of you working thru this, I am amazed at your strength! Take care of yourselves.

Count down to my hospital relaese, probably about 4-5 hours left. I am soooooo bored. Sorry about posting so much, and pretty much posting nothing to interesting! I feel good, I think that makes being stuck in bed worse. Had one visitor, my niece, it was a nice visit. Told my hubby to stay away until time to pick me up. No need for him to be here being bored, and he is cleaning the house! Yay! Maybe I will go for my excursions out to do circles in the hospital again.....

bkj66,

hang in there.  i know how long and boring it could get.  few more hours and you're done!  make sure you treat yourself well after!  i go back for my #3 on monday.

Laureen

Bjk66: I can totally relate, my counts are low and I am scared to do anything. I don't know when they will pull up. I had my blood drawn on Wed, given results on Thurs. Will be going next week for another lab for peace of mind results.



My mo told me that the counts bounce back on their own. Well what she didn't say was how long etc. So I'm staying home again all weekend. I was at least hoping to go to a movie.

Anyone have good tips for diarrhea?  I've been using immodium, eating things like rice and bananas, and no luck.  My doctor said that we can try something stronger, but I am worried about swinging the other way, you know?  Right now I am chugging the water and gatorade to stay hydrated and keeping close to the bathroom.

Just got a call from my oncologist and he is ordering some prescription medication for me...so hopefully that will help!

Laureen, the American Cancer Society has funds for temporary housing. Still, you may want to check with them about other benefits. I hope you find a new living arrangement soon. That's just awful that your landlord chose this timeframe. People are so cold sometimes.



Yesterday, I went to the American Cancer Society "Look Good-Feel Better" event. It was nice. They gave tips/demonstrations on wigs, turbans, scarfs etc. They also gave out nice bags of lotions and make-up (some high-end brands). They host these events in most metropolitan areas.

blondelawyer - hope the new script helps!  I have had an off and on battle with diahrrea, but Immodium has worked for me so far.

cyborg - hope you find the source of energy/anxiety.  Are you consuming any caffeine?

patriotic - I am not on taxol, but I got a nasty headache with cytoxan that took me a week to shake.

Hi everyone, I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while.  I have been thinking of each of you and praying that you are all tolerating any SEs very well.  I have just finished cycle 2 of 4 AC on Wednesday.  So far I have been pretty fortunate, aside from some indigestion and constipation and a little fatigue.  I have been drinking 2-3 quarts of water a day and eating fiber and fruit and staying active, so they gave me Miralax in addition to the colace and that seemed to do the trick.  My digestive system has always been sluggish.  I pray that these are the only SEs I have.  My hair has begun to release over the last three days and now I am off to the salon to put it out of its misery.  Please continue to stay positive and take care of yourselves.  {{HUGS}}

Questions,

I had my first TC treatment of chemo on Thursday and my shot on Friday. I also had my first rads on Thursday. Today My bones are ache, it this because of the shot, they told me I might have achey bones from the shot but not until 2-3 days after.

Candice