January 2012 chemo
Comments
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Weird question regarding stray hair.
I shaved my head a couple of weeks ago after things really started falling out. My hair isn't growing back per se, but the stubble is kinda "working itself out" of the follicles and now my scalp hurts again. I could shave again, but that still leaves dead stubble in the follicle that just continues to irritate. I thought about waxing (using cold wax strips, not hot wax on my head) to try and pull the stubble out (I can easily do that with tweezers, but I just can't do my whole head with tweezers!) What are you doing (if anything) about stray stubble that just won't seem to leave? Or am I the only one having this odd problem?
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Nancy- I've heard many women on here suggest those tape lint rollers for what you are describing. I haven't tried it myself, though.
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Nancy-I have a lot of stubble too. I'm not sure what to do about it. It's not coming out that much either and it's definitely not growing. It's not particularly bothersome, just scruffy. I have to wonder if I hadn't shaved my head, would these "stubble patches" be hanging on for dear life? I also seem to have some random hair growth on my legs. If I had the energy, I would shave my legs, maybe.
I start Taxol next week and I wonder what effect that drug will have on additional hair loss. The handout my MO gave me listed "complete body hair loss" as a possible side effect.
I hate this *#!? -
I did the lint roller thing but some of them are just stubborn. I finally gave up and just scratch alot.
Peggy
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hi , have been away since nasty 3rd AC but so constipated but is so painful. any suggestion? I went but hard stool and now OMG pain pain pain
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BelaT - I too was in pain last week and had to use 1 rounded Tblsp of 100% pysillium fiber in 8 oz drink, plus drink additional 8 oz afterward to get things moving. That cleared things up but you probably need to use something like a stool softener everyday. That is what the nurse told me. She suggested Senekot (make sure it is JUST Senekot and not Senekot with an "S" or something after it) daily as a natural remedy and also add Duculax everyday if needed. Both are over-the-counter. She said take every day no matter what part of cycle you are in to prevent constipation.
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Hi Bela. Sorry to hear about the constipation - I had a particularly hard time (no pun intended) with that SE during my first round. Got lots of suggestions here, and the last two treatments have been much better.
I eat a bowl of Raisin Bran at least once a day, every day. In the days leading up to tx I eat at least two (nice bedtime snack).
Drink LOTS of water. All the time. Two days before I start drinking at least two liters a day; the first three days of treatment I try to drink that much, too. I kinda slow down a little after that. Helps flush the toxins out of the system and keeps the bowels happy, too.
Eat fiber-intense foods. Snack alot. Apples, applesauce, watermelon (counts as a serving of water, too!) Granola. Yogurt helps with good bacteria, too. Avoid cheese and lots of processed foods. I'm sure others have great suggestions.
I take a serving of Mirilax and three Dulcolax tablets before bed every night, starting the day before treatment and continuing for usually a week after treatment. This can help with "instant" relief (or at least overnight relief) that isn't painful.
My MO said if I was constipated longer than two days, or was in particular pain, I needed to call them right away.
I hope these suggestions help - and good luck! It's an awful SE to be certain.
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Back from TX#3, last one is March 20th. I feel a little loopy but other than that fine. White Count was great so no Neulasta again.
Had a nice lunch at IHop with my daughter and sister - had our free pancakes and contributed to the Childrens Miracle Network. Drinking my water and going to take my daughter for a special hip hop dance class with a Choreographer who has done videos with Jay Z and Shakira - should be fun - then I will come home and collapse lol
I am sorry about the constipation problems. That is one thing I haven't experienced. My MO was very suprised when I told him that last time. I actually suffer from intestinal issues and I was hoping I actually wouldn't be running all the time. I can't say I am eating anything special that would keep me from getting constipated. I eat a bowl of ice cream every night maybe that is doing it.
Gayle
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Nancy,
I used duct tape for my stubble. Worked really well. A little heavier duty than a lint roller IMO. Made my husband do the honor for me...
I'm finally crawling out of the treatment #4 hole. Not as bad as #3 I must say.
NCbeachgal: I too am starting Taxol/Herceptin next week. Let us know how it goes.
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BelaT ~ Along with all of the great suggestions here there is one more thing you could try. It's an over-the-counter remedy called Miralax. They are granules that you stir in water until they are almost dissolved and then you drink it. Also, here again the importance of fluids, fluids, fluids cannot be stressed enough. Hard bm's are usually caused from dehydration, so I'm told, and drinking tons of water helps rather quickly. Please contact your MO if you do not get results from the suggestions here. Constipation that severe can cause serious problems!
Nico
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BelaT ~ Along with all of the great suggestions here there is one more thing you could try. It's an over-the-counter remedy called Miralax. They are granules that you stir in water until they are almost dissolved and then you drink it. Also, here again the importance of fluids, fluids, fluids cannot be stressed enough. Hard bm's are usually caused from dehydration, so I'm told, and drinking tons of water helps rather quickly. Please contact your MO if you do not get results from the suggestions here. Constipation that severe can cause serious problems!
Nico
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Bela-I too have been constipated. It led to painful BMs and hemorrhoids. I've been dealing with this pain for 6-8 weeks. I've gotten on top of the constipation with fiber, fiber, fiber and plenty of water and a daily dose of Miralax. The BM is softer but still hurts as it goes by those hemorrhoids. For that pain, a wonderful person recommended Balneol and it works to cleanse the area and relieve external pain. I'm going to see my GI doc on Thursday. Good luck girl.
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Momof2: lol on the duct tape. My husband does NOT need to know anymore uses for that stuff ;-)
Sounds like a few of us moving on to Taxol/Herceptin. My first one of 12 will be in two weeks.
Jenn -
I love the duct tape idea! I tried it - and it didn't work. :-( I think the stubble is just too short to be picked up by it. But my hubby loved having yet another reason to buy a specialty-color of duct tape. I did buy a box of Nads cold wax strips, and they worked great, but still left some behind. I just went ahead and shaved again today - the stubble was starting to get that "glass shards in the head" feeling again and I needed it gone.
AC #4 on Thursday, then two weeks off before the first of 6 dd Taxol. Nervous about the Taxol - I hope everyone has a good first treatment with NO special side effects!
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Hello everyone
Awaiting AC#4 today and feeling some anxiety, as I always do. Last night I asked DH how he felt about getting in the car and to keep driving all the way to Mexico!! Seems I feel this way before every treatment- the need to escape. Especially when I have felt 'almost normal' the last few days. Except for the constipation. Oh my! Was a bit lax on the fiber this cycle and regretted it. I read all the posts on constipation and realized I should be on something more than a stool softener.
Okay ladies, wishing everyone minimal side effects as I get ready to go to treatment (anticipatory nausea just thinking about it)
Hugs
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Nancy-thanks,for your response. It seems like for many, the port can make life easier.
I feel guilty complaining as many girls have had it much worse than I have
Today is my 7th infusion. More than half way!
Our emotional
Responses are funny... I get very teary every week the night before chemo, whether or not I have had a bad week. No control of it
Good week-neuropathy in one hand for about an hour. Headaches when I'dont
drink enough.not sleeping too well but no all out flusymptomsthisweek -
Hey there - my onc nurse told me to get 'Lactulose' just in case colace and senekot don't do the trick. Pharmacist has it behind the counter. I haven't had to use it yet but I thought I would mention it to you guys.
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I stopped here tonight to see how were all doing and to be reminded to take my const. meds before I go to bed tonight, Thank you all!! ...My 1st Taxol is tomorrow and on one hand I am happy to be that much closer to the end of this Chemo road and terrified of the more SE's. I had an MRI today to see if a nerve is pinched and causing my Neuropathy issues and a chest Xray (I have no idea what they hope to find on that-since I have had 2 this year alone, one just a day before my November surgery). I must say the MRI with my tinnitus was brutal and I do not recommend it, they had to pull me out once, and I had her shove in more ear protection...no music just tiny ear plugs...Are you kidding me!! If I do have more SE's...here's hoping thier at least the ones I'm used to...changing them now would just be mean.
Oh and he is my sick dream last night, during one of my hot flashes...we call me Flame On-Flame Off (fantastic four) as I cook without any warning and then shut off like it never happened all the time, now. I dreamed that my hats were shaped and colored like a boob with a nipple on to, and people would ask me what's wrong with me, I would just point to my hat...it would make it easier...no long drawn out conversation about my cancer, that I really have not felt like talking about lately. My husband laughed his ass off for quite a while...
It's good to be the King.
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I am officially joining the January treatment group. Have been reading then posts! Started a 12 week regimen of abraxane and carboplatin on January 19th. Had treatment 7 yesterday. I live in a small area of Northwest florida and drive 2 hours each way for the treatment and dr.
. I hope I can retrieve my desire one day and soon.
My husband moved to South Florida the day of my second treatment. This was a good thing. He is a very negative, mean and cruel, unhappy person and I did not feel I could go through this with him around me. The whole essence of my house is so totally different with him gone and in a great way!!! He also took the shedding dog so that was a plus, too! And he seems happy to be living near his son so both of us are in a better place.
My daughter is here with me and for me and we will get through this. I hope I am about to be able to work myself out of this funk I have been in. It seems for the most part, my week evolves around my cancer treatment. I want this over and my life back. Sometimes it feels like an out of body experience, that this maybe is really not happening to me, then I look in the mirror and reality hits with the bald head.
So many of the things I normally would do, I have no interest in. People have told me not to beat myself up through this. I loved my job, I'm an independent sales person for Medicare products, and I was having fantastic success and getting referrals all the time. Now, I have a really hard time going to write someone when they call and asked to be written -
PCBarbie66 - Great dream! I want that hat! Good luck today! I'm right behind you. My first taxol is Friday. I, too, am getting nervous. I'm glad to leave AC behind, but really fear the unknown. I was much more brave facing my first AC. Now that I know how bad I can feel, I am facing this experience with my eyes wide open. I think I'm just getting tired of this whole process. Let us know how things go today. I will certainly keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Seagrover - Welcome and sorry you find yourself here! This is a great bunch of brave women who are terrific support and entertaining as well. Yay for getting rid of a negative influence in your life and yay for have a supportive daughter! Aren't daughters great! I think we all are going through a 'funk' while trying to reach a new normal. I know I'll never be the same, but I WILL be well some time soon! Hang out with us for a while - its a good place.
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I haven't had too much to complain about other than normal SE's. Thank G-d. But now I am going to vent. My daughter's (the one who came to visit me) husband lost his job 3 weeks ago. It was a complete shock as he had just had a glowing quarterly review. They are still sorting things out as to why he was canned so suddenly. Monday their 22 month old son was rushed to the hospital and has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. SIL's prospects for a new job are good but might entail relocation which they really don't want to do because it would disrupt the kids. So far they are trying to get the baby stabilized and teach the parents how to care for him.
Yesterday my 92 yr old MIL had a lumpectomy for ILC. Probably that will be the only treatment. She is a feisty old gal who is legally blind and very hard of hearing but her mind is sharp as a tack.
And as for me I started running a fever Tuesday night. Went to the ER and after a bunch of tests they determined I probably had a virus and sent me home. Yesterday afternoon I discovered my right arm (surgery side) was all red and itchy as well as a section of the skin on my breast. Dashed off to my family doc. who gave me an antibiotic IV. This morning I went back for WBC test and to pick up mega dose Augmentin pills. I'm on day 8 of my last AC and feel like a truck ran over me. I'll get the results of the blood test late this afternoon and I'm praying it is not too low because I really don't want to go to the hospital. We are having a major winter storm here with gale winds and rain with sleet. They are even predicting heavy wet snow for tonight and transportation will be a nightmare.
The good news is that my husband is finally feeling better after a 4 day gastritis attack that had him puking and diarrhea (is that a word?) so he is finally able to help around the house. Also friends have been offering to cook if we need it.
OK. I"m done!
Peggy
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I leave for the 1st of 12 Tax. at noon today...I'll post how it went. I have many meetings 1st, so it will be late by the time we get back home. At least in this area of Jersey it's just raining and not snowing!!
I found yesterday that the MRI machine is about 100-110 decibels and since I have Tinnitus before Chemo and now worse during Chemo, It was excruciating for me..and now my hearing is far worse today (hope it doesn't last that long) I found a phone number for machines that are around 70% less noise 1-800-736-8003 and the technician will look up what states and where the machines are located, if you have been diagnosed with Tinnitus or Hyperacusis (Sensitivity to certain frequencies etc.) your Insurance will pay to go to and/or use these machines. There are 8 in California, I haven't called for Jersey yet, but after yesterday I will be calling for the next time. I had never heard of Hyperacusis, but it can come from Migraines...and oh boy I have had those...and 97% of people who suffer from that have Tinnitus to begin with....Of course I cancelled my Hearing test, because they scheduled the MRI at the same time..how ironic!!
Weird and Rare SE #3...I took last week off from posting, since my right hand was so bad...another rare SE, my hand started to burn, swell, turn red than purple, hurt like hell and it felt like splinters up my finger nails and several finger pads were not touchable or tears would roll down my face. On day 6 it started to get better day 7 it was 80% gone. It felt like a really bad hot oil burn, looked like it, acted like it and the skin is pealing where it was red/purple and my finger tips are calsused and tuff just like a burn would leave behind...except I didn't burn myself and Ice hurts it did not help. Pain killers didn't touch it. They have no clue..yeah.
I feel better yapping about anything other than today...what great listeners you all are!!
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Constipation was a major issue during CMF chemo for me.
The lactulose option is good, start taking it a few days before each IV and keep on with it for the next 7 days after IV. Very gentle.
Brand name is Dupholac (here in South Africa) - lactulose powder stuff, just put it into your tea 3 times a day - can't taste it. Note: not Dupholax tablets - they gave me serious pain, too strong.
Loads of stewed fruit (apricots) plus hi-fibre bran every morning did it for me. And TONS of water throughout the day and night.
Oh and massaging your tummy (colon) in the right direction also helps to move things along. Use google to find out exactly where your colon goes up; along under your ribcage and then down, is if you need too.
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PCBarbie: your hand issue sounds exactly like hand/foot syndrome (PPE).... I have developed it in my feet, particularly my left heel after this last tx. Nothing you can really do for it except be gentle, cream and ice.
Jenn -
Peggy - prayers for your grandson, son inlaw and mother in law. Also hope you are ok and do not have to go back to the hospital. Maybe your husband ahd a virus and that is what you caught.
Be well.
Gayle
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Barbie: I'm so sorry, what you're going through sounds awful! I am terrified of both hand/foot and neuropathy as SEs of Taxol, which I'll start in two weeks. I'll keep you in my thoughts; let us know how you're doing.
Peggy: This is such a great place to vent. Your daughter, husband and grandson have certainly had more than their share of tough times lately. Is Type 2 diabetes the kind that can be treated through diet, or will your grandson need insulin? Regardless, it's a life-style change for everyone, on top of all the other issues they must also work with. I'm glad to hear you and your husband are on the mend, as well; I hope that continues.
Today was my last AC treatment - time for a party (but only if I can have a pony)!!! I'm so glad that nasty stuff is behind me. Taxol starts in a couple of weeks; will be interested to hear how others are doing with the Taxol (I'm so afraid of allergic reaction SE).
Peace and love to everyone today!
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a pony and balloons!! and cake! lots of cake!!!!!! nancy you deserve a party!!!!
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Honey, we ALL deserve a party! With lots of freaking cake ("But ma, the steroids made me do it!!") and ice cream and ponies and pinatas and balloons and glitter confetti! Just no pink ribbons, 'k?
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I have been down and out since treatment#2 10 days ago. I've been reading everybody's posts since I last logged in and I can't stop crying. I'm so sad that you all are going through these horrible things. My wonderful little boy keeps asking me if I'm better yet and I don't know what to tell him except:"mummy will be better soon" My poor hubby doesn't know how to help me and when I cry, he cries too and that kills me because he's usually the strong one. I'm just a mess and am tired of being told what a hero I've been and that my positive attitude is half the battle. Well positive attitudes don't make the SEs any more tolerable. I don't mean to be so negative and I'm not always this crabby, but nobody gets me like you guys
. I can't say it enough, my heart goes out to each and every one of you. ((hugs)) -
miniwheat: You're not crabby or negative - I'd venture to say that we all have these feelings. I know I certainly do. I started out this journey all Polly Positive and gung-ho; today, I cried through my treatment, snapped at my husband, and cursed every kind person I know who continues to call me an "inspiration" (behind their backs and with no serious intent, of course - I love them all). This is part of our daily process, our grieving process, our life-is-changing process. And it sucks.
You're being honest with your son: Mummy will be better soon, And his hugs probably have super-healing qualities. :-) Your husband is hurting for you, and for himself. Probably he would give anything to trade places with you and take this beast on himself. It's hard to be a caretaker to someone we love who is going through repeated, difficult treatment.
*hug* to you, to your son and your husband as you get through today. And tomorrow. And every day after that. We're all here for you.
Nancy
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