October 2011 Chemo group

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  • Normandy18
    Normandy18 Member Posts: 30
    edited October 2011

    Terry71:

    Thanks for sharing your experiences with FEC--I was wondering how the 2nd and 3rd cycle might play out. Did you lose your hair, and if so when? It is day 12 for me and I still have my hair. It seems that day 14 is the day that I see on the posts--so trying to prepare.

    Take care!

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  • Terry71
    Terry71 Member Posts: 293
    edited October 2011

    Your welcome Normandy, the second wasnt too bad but the 3rd kick my Butt big time, my white count went too low and I ended up in the hospital for 7 days on a large dose of anti biotics it was rough to be honest...... Yes I lost my hair It was down to my butt and now I have none... It really started coming out just before my second treatment, about a week after the 2nd one it was coming out in clumps so decided it was time to shave it off.... Be vry careful washing and brushing it, use a soft brush and try to only really brush it once a day.... It is heartbreaking when it does go BUT remember it does come back, and BALD is beautiful baby !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im here if you want to talk hugs xo

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited October 2011

    Hi ladies, I haven't looked at this site for 2 days and there is so much to catch up on. Welcome all the new members, this is the best source of support and so much information from the real experts - us!  Thanks perts for the recipe. It sounds really good and easy to make. I've been drinking Twinings lemon and ginger tea on the mornings when coffee doesn't sound good (never thought I'd see the day). 

    My son (age 25) came home this weekend and I had him buzz my hair off. I had already cried a couple of times when it started coming out earlier, so I was ready to laugh and we had such fun. He also tried on my wig a few times which was a hoot. Am I the only one who likes my wig? It's really light weight with not a lot of hair, and since my hair is (was) thin, it doesn't look like a helmet on. And my hairdresser also thinned it around the face a little. Even my son thinks it looks real. Although if I'm at WalMart and have a big hot flash, I may rip it right off! My head feels much better after being buzzed and my bald head looks much better than I thought it would.

    For halloween, I thought I could paint a lobotomy scar (Cuckoo's Nest) and it would also explain my chemo brain. Kiss Kill two birds with one stone.

    My second T/C is on Wednesday. Not near as scared as the first time, but not exactly looking forward to it.

    Hope everyones having a great weekend without many side effects!

    Barb 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2011

    Hello everyone!  Haven't been here for a bit but it sounds like everyone is holding their own. We are strong and we can do this (althought there are days when this does suck, right?)

    I too love my wig!  I wear it to work, but have gotten brave enough to just wear a cute hat on the weekends.  My poor husband cried more than I did when he shaved my head, it was a very touching moment. I think no matter how prepared you are, the losing of the hair is pretty traumatizing and you finally can't hide the fact from the world that you are ill. For those of you who really don't like your wig, maybe you could find someone to donate it to?  

    My husband has been very supportive but he has his days. I think men just want to fix things and this is not fixable. There is not one darn thing they can do for the nausea, the fatigue, the hair loss, the bone pain, or even the outcome.  We have had a few arguments, mostly over silly things that he feels he can control.  I think as things go along we will all adjust, this is just new territory.

    So I hear of most of you going in to get your shots. Am I the only person here who has to give them herself? (well, my husband actually does it because I am not brave enough to inject myself).  The bone pain the first time was unbelievable but they scaled back the dosing a bit so that has not been a problem, at least the last round. Round three starts tonight (with only 6 doses instead of 7; we started with 8)

    Just had 3rd of the 4th DD A/CH treatment, then I start T (every week for 12)  I hear tha T is different and harder?? My biggest problem has been nausea, seems day 5 after treatment is the worst, but they have adjusted my meds again to see if that helps and if not, have recommended accupuncture.

    Numbing cream for the port is the simply the best. I didn't have it the first time and my port had only been in a week, so still pretty tender. It hurt like a son of a gun, so was terrified, even with the numbing cream that it would still hurt.  I felt nothing, it was a slice of heaven. I was told to put it on an hour before the appt. and to put some saran wrap over it so it doesn't rub off on your clothes. Worked like a dream.

    Hope everyone is having a terrific weekend! You can handle whatever you have in the week ahead

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  • cfdr
    cfdr Member Posts: 549
    edited October 2011

    My husband did the buzz cut for me today. The scalp actually feels a lot less tender; not sure if that's just a coincidence of timing, or if not having the weight of my hair hanging on the poor follicles has made them feel better. I actually like the look! Or would if there weren't already thin patches. I went out today in a cute cloche hat that I got on tlcdirect.com, got a couple of compliments on it. I did a bunch of shopping and everyone I met was so friendly...maybe wearing a dippy hat makes people want to be nice to me. ;-p

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  • sue_from_wi
    sue_from_wi Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2011

    cfdr - I had my hair buzzed on Thursday and noticed the same thing - my scalp no longer hurts. And I don't look all that bad as a baldie! AND people seem to recognize me as a 'chemo lady' and are unsually kind. It reminds me of the nice vibes people would send my way when I was waddling around very pregnant. Kind of heartwarming.

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  • perts1
    perts1 Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2011

    A couple of questions for you:  at the risk of sounding somewhat tacky has anyone else had problems going to the bathroom?  Everytime I have a BM it feels like I've been eating jalapenos or some other very hot peppers.  It really burns!  Also, nothing tastes quite right.  When I have to go (either 1 or 2) I get cramps.  This is just crazy stuff - nothing I can't take but it sure is odd. You ladies are a godsend for me!  Thank you.  I hope I can add some info that you need, too.

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  • sue_from_wi
    sue_from_wi Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2011

    perts1 - ouch - sounds bad! I haven't had nearly the same extent of issues but have noticed some tenderness and have been using Preparation H to keep things in check. I recall someone use recommended Desitin or some other diaper rash type ointment. I also had bad cramps when I was on Compazine, but none since I stopped taking it.

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited October 2011

    Perts1 - baby wipes with aloe are helpful.

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  • cfdr
    cfdr Member Posts: 549
    edited October 2011

    perts1 - preparation h, wipes, and the "good" toilet tissue definitely help in the #2 department.

     I'm on TC, and was told to flush the system with a LOT of fluids starting the day before and for 2-3 days after treatment....they want me to empty my bladder frequently, even at night, because the drugs can be very irritating to the bladder. Also, because of the low white cell count bladder infections are possible....but those are usually accompanied by fever. Don't know if either of those could be causing some of your cramps.

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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited October 2011

    Hi everyone - checking in.  Had 2nd treatment on Friday.  Yesterday felt great but today has been a droopy day.  Really tired, weak and just don't feel like moving.  As someone said above - you just can't plan on how you're going to feel when you're going through chemo.  It's just not the same each time.

    I don't know if any of the rest of you feel this way but some days I am just so sad.  Today I think I was set off because my 1/4 hair is almost gone.  Everytime I walk by the mirror it just doesn't look like me.  I had a good cry this afternoon and felt somewhat better.  I just hate chemo and all that goes along with it.  Okay - pulling big girl panties back up AGAIN.

    Maybe tomorrow will be better.

    Hope you guys are feeling good.  Talk to you soon!

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited October 2011

    Okay, sounds like we October gals are TUFF!!

    I had my 1st tx last Tues. and did better at the beginning. The Decadron was magical to my arthritic knees, and I was all jacked up like on speed. Went from that, to my old knees back, and not driving myself due to the blurry vision and bad distance. What a rollercoaster! Have had constipation, followed by day of diahreha. I look at it as 1 down!!

    I've tried to get outside and enjoy the changing of the season. Fall is just beautiful here, and the temps are kinda crisp. I hope you all are doing well. I knew going into this, I'd see fall come, then winter, and by spring...no mo' chemo!

    Here's to another week of minimal se for everyone, and a full appt. book.

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  • WIMusicMaker
    WIMusicMaker Member Posts: 78
    edited October 2011

    Good Morning Everyone!

    I have no hair! I shed more tears over my hair loss than I did when I was originally diagnosed! I am glad the shedding is over. My head actually doesn't look that bad bald. Hair is only hair and I am still me! Carla I am right there with you on the sadness. I think some days we just have to let ourselves be sad. We go through a grieving process as our bodies change.

    This weekend my oldest came home from college and we had a great weekend! I am so proud of him. I feel better when he is around. 

    Today I start the steroids for round #2 tomorrow. 

    I hope those who had a treatment last week feel better and that everyone else is doing well. 

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  • Lady-di
    Lady-di Member Posts: 150
    edited October 2011

    Morning everyone,

    My first tx was last wed and I think I'm starting to be on the mend today. For a few days I couldn't stomach anything. Found it really hard to eat anything other then soup. Going to make the ginger tea that was suggested for next time. Last night was the longest ive slept overnight also.

    Juls- needle was ok for me. Had some bone pain but it was more uncomfortable then painful. Tylenol worked well. Hope your doing okay.

    WIM- so glad you had a nice weekend with your son. So uplifting for you.

    Lori- I have also thought of the seasons that will pass by and thank you for your positivity. It was what I needed to her this morning.

    Carla- hope today is better for you.



    I need to get my hair cut . Ugg I keep putting it to the side but time running out!!!

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  • wildrumara
    wildrumara Member Posts: 450
    edited October 2011

    Three days post treatment #2....took the Claritin this time before the Neulasta shot on Saturday, one yesterday morning and then again last night.  I think it might be working?  I do have some bone pain, but not nearly the amount I had last time, at least not at this point.   As with the first treatment, feeling loopy and fatigued.  Friends/neighbors brought food in for us......too much in fact.  The only thing that tasted good was the chicken noodle-soup!  Hate not being able to taste anything.  Hopefully those taste buds will come back by the end of the week.  Sometimes its really hard to believe that we are going through this.....don't you think?   Sometimes its overwhelming.  When I watch my husband getting my three school age kids out of bed and ready for school, it makes me sad that I have to force myself out of bed and help him......when I watch my 8-year-old daughter give him a hard time, I become frustrated and I want to scold her for being so disagreeable, but i know its not easy for her to see me lying in bed not feeling well.   I missed her Mother Daughter Halloweeen Party last night for Girl Scouts.....my husband took her and dropped her off with her friends.  Once she was there, she was fine, but she didn't want to go without me.  These are life lessons for my kids.  Its making them tough....I know it.  I'm so grateful I have such a wonderful husband.......I need to cut him some slack too.....these first few days after chemo really suck and I have no patience. 

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  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited October 2011

    Good Monday Morning All:

    Well, this "communicating" with everyone is great and I look forward to checking in to see where we're all at. It is reassuring to have the same SE's because they are so very different from normal ills. I am into my second week post 2nd A/C DD and can't seem to shake this lousy chest cold- no fever so I haven't done anything about it. Had our best friends visit yesterday - on their way to Arizona for the winter - lucky ducks- and that was a nice reprieve although I wasn't the hostess that I have been in the past. I too have sad days - sad to be not feeling well, to be mentally scrambled, to look weird and to just have to have my life so unsettled. I'm normally a very positive and in control person - I guess I'll have to learn to let it go for awhile. Okay that's it Carla- I am pulling up my big girl panties too!

    Dia123- glad you are okay on the Neulasta so far- nice to have one shot instead of 8 isn't it? For the first week I live on toast, butter and honey and coffee for breakfast,soup for lunch and my DH is an expert at poached eggs and toast for dinner! Green grapes taste different but good and sour apples! I am sleeping fairly well too now that I am on meds for acid reflux.

    Pert1- After being constipated after the 1st tx I started taking Soflax stool softeners the day before and two days following and it really helps. Also, baby wipes and I spray with water when I go to bathroom - what a procedure! I was loose the second day this time with a bit of cramps but it resolved itself.

    Wildrumara- how difficult it must be for you with your young ones- we have always tried to shield our children from hardship and there's no avoiding this one...hang in they- they are resilient and it's your turn to be looked after.

    Well, I've rambled on for too long- nice to share.. I, for one, like the cooler weather, even my head is okay so far!  Lori- good comments on spring coming and being finished with tx's.

    P.S. I am not used to my buzzed look and feel somewhat "embarassed"...oh well!

    Have better day all,    Hugs, Juls

    Yes- I have really sad times- 

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  • TAPPY
    TAPPY Member Posts: 283
    edited October 2011

    My SIL came and took my to lunch today and it was nice just to get out of the house for a bit.  Was not really hungry- but nice to get out and talk and think about something else.

    I am going to attempt to go back to work (6 weeks post op and 1 chemo trreatment down) on Wednesday.  I have to admit...I am terrifed about this, getting sick at work, working with no hair...I work in HR and I see people all the time.  What if it is to much for me....I really need to keep this job.  I have been there 17 years and have good benefits so I would hate to loose it or have my performance suffer.

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  • barbyjean
    barbyjean Member Posts: 108
    edited October 2011

    Hi everyone.

    Nancy - thinking of you today, you are 2 days ahead of me, same chemo T/C. Hope #2 goes well.

    Today I'm tired of being tired. And tired of feeling crappy. Had a little cry already today so that's out of the way. I guess we're allowed to have as many down days as we need! My friends have been great - they know I hate to cook (I live alone) and so have filled my freezer with soups and dinners. I don't have anyone staying with me after my second chemo on Wed. so I will so appreciate having easy good meals. 

    Tomorrow I start taking the steroids again (hate them but I suppose they prevent a lot of bad stuff).

    Tappy, good luck on going back to work. I think you will find everyone is extra nice to you, and will make allowances if you are feeling bad. And hold your bald head up with pride! The anticipation is usually the worst part.

    Have a great day, everyone!     Barb 

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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited October 2011

    Hi everyone - thanks for sharing that you too sometimes just feel sad about all of this - how can we not?  We just need to remember what Lori said - it'll be spring before we know it and this awful stuff will be behind us. 

    Tappy - Try not to be scared about going back to work.  If you feel the least bit sick then you just need to listen to your body and go home.  I've not really been working full days until last week.  Of course I felt good that week because it was the week before treatment.  I found that when I went back to work it helped me so much mentally.  I also work in an office environment and people have been so kind and supportive.  They don't really care about the scarves/hats - they know what you're going through.  I will say that sometimes the chemo brain kicks in but overall my mind is working pretty good.  You'll be fine.  Try not to worry my friend.

    Having the second treatment has just confirmed what I thought - it's going to take a few days to get back to a somewhat normal feeling and the crappy taste is going to linger for about a week.  Boy it sure makes everything taste bad.  I've found water with lemon is about the only thing I can drink the first week.  I miss my Diet Cokes!!

    Well, I hope everyone has a good night.  Talk to you later!!

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  • Carla9112
    Carla9112 Member Posts: 162
    edited October 2011

    Barbyjean - hang in there.  I don't know about you but I feel better after a good cry.  Sometimes I think the chemo makes me more emotional because I don't really cry much but I sure do after treatments.  Just remember - this won't last.  We will get all of this behind us and will look back on this time someday and wonder how we ever got through it.  I know one thing - it's sure making me a stronger person.  The petty things I used to whine about seem so silly now.  If nothing else, cancer sure does force a person to get their priorities in line.

    I hope you have a good night and feel better.  Hugs and good wishes that you feel better soon!!

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  • sue_from_wi
    sue_from_wi Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2011

    Any one else dealing with a very husky voice? Certainly not a serious side effect, but it makes it hard to talk.

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  • WIMusicMaker
    WIMusicMaker Member Posts: 78
    edited October 2011

    sue_from_wi I had a husky voice the night before my first treatment. I thought it was because I was talking more from being hyped up on the steroids. I will let you know if the same thing happens tonight. 

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited October 2011

    Thanks barbyjean - just back from TX #2, yay halfway! Hyped up from the steroids and a little woozy, but otherwise ok for now. Treatment itself was uneventful again. One good thing about the steroids the day before is that I get my house cleaned (I'm an unenthusiastic housekeeper). I'm sorry you have to do this alone but it sounds like you have some awesome friends. I'm blessed with a wonderful support system of family and friends but I still have those moments of unbelievable sadness. I cry in the shower a lot. Good luck with your treatment on Wednesday, it's a piece of cake!



    Carla, you're right on about cancer forcing you to get your priorities straight!



    Sending happy thoughts to all!

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  • sue_from_wi
    sue_from_wi Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2011

    Yeah, those steroids are crazy - my knitting speed doubles when I'm on them. And talk talk talk a mile a minute.

    It's sweet to read all the posts and share what we're going through and feel the support. It's Day 5 Chemo #2 and my temp is starting to climb so I'm going to take an ibuprofen and see if that knocks it down. 

    Cheers to the awesome October 2011 chemo ladies!

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  • stjude10
    stjude10 Member Posts: 390
    edited October 2011

    Hi gals!  Carla, I'm not the only one missing my Diet Coke. I feel ya!

    Tappy, I'll be thinking of you and wishing you the best when you return to work Wed. Good Luck!

    I was chuckling as reading about everyone on the steroids. Oh my gosh, my knees felt the best they've felt for a long time, and the energy...wow! I don't knit, but I sure could talk!

    Perspective...when I hear gals complain they're having a bad hair day, it's all I can do to not tell them atleast they have some. I know, sooo wrong.

    I'm feeling more like myself everyday, and my vision is improving. Gonna dread next round knowing what's coming. Everyone have a great week and good luck w/tx and se girls!

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  • cfdr
    cfdr Member Posts: 549
    edited October 2011

    stjude10, a friend of mine posted on facebook last week "I'm having a bad hair day--I'm out of coffee". I commented that I started losing my hair that day, and I'd rather have no hair than no coffee!

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  • perts1
    perts1 Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2011

    I love coffee, too.  But has anyone else noticed that it tastes nasty these days.  I tried some of your cures for the anal burning - you were right.  Evidently I have hemorrhoids that needed some TLC (along with the rest of me).  Now I'm drinking prune juice to get stuff started again.  Hair?  Mine has never been wonderful - but it was still my hair!  I hope I don't lose all of it but - whatever.  Let's all keep our chins up (I say chins because mine is a double - darnit).

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  • julsjewels11
    julsjewels11 Member Posts: 66
    edited October 2011

    Hi Everyone:

    Hope you are all coping. I had expectations that this week would follow as last tx but not so....just different. I talked with a friend who went through this last year and she said expecting things to be "normal" at times just sets one up for disappointment. Her advise- take each day as it comes and deal with it in the present. Life- and tastes- will return after tx. Yup- coffee certainly tastes different as do most things including water. Perts- glad you are sorting out your issues.

    About the hair- I buzzed mine off and the rest of it still hasn't come out- it'll serve me right if it doesn't as I'm third week into tx but I doubt it!  Keep smilin- I'm going to hae a nap!    Hugs Juls

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  • perts1
    perts1 Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2011

    I'm just going to keep on trying good things until I find something that tastes good.  Chicken noodle soup today.  Oh yes, last night my husband fixed spaghetti and garlic toast and it was wonderful.  The best!  Of course, I could also use this as an opportunity to chuck some weight - but I think not!

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  • dechi
    dechi Member Posts: 173
    edited October 2011

    Well, I'm going in tomorrow for my first round of AC (every 3 weeks x4).  This is my second round of treatment with the first being 8-1/2 years ago.  I have to say I'm not looking forward to it but I'm going to do what I have to do and I'm going to lick it this time.  I'll be getting Herceptin & Taxol & radiation after I'm done with the AC.  Going to order some hats today :-) and maybe one of those "halo" wigs.  Has anybody else used them?  

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