Starting chemo Thursday, May 31 - June Group?

Options
1…1819212324…39

Comments

  • cmomof4
    cmomof4 Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2012

    Pam & Radio- I am also having the "starving all the time" issue!  My chemo nurse warned me it would happen, it is caused by the steriods. My family is kind of getting a kick out of it...lol.  I also have cravings, similar to those of pregnancy.  Strawberries are at the top of that list right now... boy have I eaten a ton of them! And pancakes! Mmmmmm, that sounds so good right now!  hahaha

    My hair is really, really falling out now.  My best friend is a hair dresser (not that it needs "dressing" now!  LoL) so she is coming over tonight to shave it all off.  I have noticed that my fingertips don't work well in that fine motor skill sort of way; e.g., I can't button small buttons.  

    Last night, my family and I went to see fireworks in our little town.  I decided to go without my bra or breast forms. I wore a thin white blouse, and it was actually really nice just laying there on a blanket in the field, enjoying my family and I was not hot or anything, despite the fact that it has been over 100 degrees every day here for the past week.

    Yesterday was the best I have felt since surgery.  I guess I'm going to feel good again for now, just in time for chemo on 7/12.  :-/

    If anyone here would like to connect on facebook, my email address is cdevore68@gmail.com.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ElleBee
    ElleBee Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2012

    cmom: I am in the same boat darling. My hair is coming out in great clumps. And the last two mornings I have woken with matted dreadlock type patches, that when I attempt to comb through, they pretty much fall off my head. I feel like that scene in A Charlie Brown Christmas where all the needles fall off the tree at once. My husband is going to buzz my head this morning, then I am off to the fabric store to get some yardage in pretty colors for wrapping scarves.

    I have had no appetite for the most part. Sort of forcing myself to eat.  

    Anyone have thrush yet? 

    Hope you all had a nice Independence Day. Mine was pretty great. Looking forward to a terrific date with my husband tomorrow! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ElleBee
    ElleBee Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2012

    cmom: I am in the same boat darling. My hair is coming out in great clumps. And the last two mornings I have woken with matted dreadlock type patches, that when I attempt to comb through, they pretty much fall off my head. I feel like that scene in A Charlie Brown Christmas where all the needles fall off the tree at once. My husband is going to buzz my head this morning, then I am off to the fabric store to get some yardage in pretty colors for wrapping scarves.

    I have had no appetite for the most part. Sort of forcing myself to eat.  

    Anyone have thrush yet? 

    Hope you all had a nice Independence Day. Mine was pretty great. Looking forward to a terrific date with my husband tomorrow! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2012

    marcia1111 - Taxol and Taxotere are both taxanes, meaning that they were originally derived from the Pacific Yew tree.  Taxol is perceived to be a little more gentle, but it is a taxane nonetheless.  I think all chemo agents can cause the darkening and ridges and lines - and nail loss is listed for Adriamycin in rare cases, but taxanes seem to cause more frequent lifting and loss of nails.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2012

    cmomof4 - I would love to connect on facebook.  I'm also on the April/May thread and someone created a closed group on facebook.  We are having a lot of fun.  I would do it for us, but I don't know how. 

    Ellebee - I haven't had any thrush.  I rinse with Biotene mouthwash pretty regularly and I don't know if that's what's keeping it away.

    I have just exhausted myself trying to decide what to wear for my infusion.  So ridiculous.  Where do I think I'm going - a party?  I just want to be comfortable and I don't feel like wearing the same sweats I wore the past 2 times.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cmomof4
    cmomof4 Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2012
    I haven't had thrush but I do suddenly have a huge fever blister!  I haven't had one in many years.  You should be able to find me on FB with my email address.  I'm also going to poke around on there and see what BC support groups I can find.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited July 2012

    Cmom, Funny about the hairdresser joke! I sent you an email. I would like to connect with you on FB. We have a great group here. I would like everyone here even if we didnt meet by this disease.

    Interesting too about the food cravings. It is like pregnancy but worse. I only want specific things or nothing. Pancakes do sound good.

    Marcia, I usually always wear shorts and shirts. However, when I have a doctors appointment, I pay extra attention to my makeup. Like pink/rose lipstick to match my pink headscarf. Like its a fashion show!!!

    Cmom again, Great that you went out without forms! I am undecided about reconstruction. I am a perfectionist with myself, and like to look real and be comfortable. I am not sure I will be happy with reconstruction. So you wore a regular white shirt. Like a t shirt? If you ask me now, I just want chemo over and I don't care about my breasts. I just want hair someday! I will talk with my breast surgeon. If I can't get good results, per a picture I found, I will get nothing! Hope I can be comfortable with though.

    Ellebee, I have not gotten thrush yet. However, it was something I worried about. I suck on ice during infusion. Not sure if that helps. I also switched to a natural toothpaste without Flouride or alcohol. Natures gate. Not sure if this is the reason or not? Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2012

    I'm plugged in for AC #3.  I've got my laptop, iphone, a book, a magazine, and 2 movies.  I can keep busy until tomorrow if I need to!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2012

    I am home from AC #3 and feel fine so far.  I hope everyone else is doing well!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ElleBee
    ElleBee Member Posts: 162
    edited July 2012

    Glad it went well for you today Marcia. *hugs*

    Well, false alarm on the thrush. It turns out I have a cold and standard scratchy throat.  Who gets a cold in July? Me, that's who. Sheesh. It's like I have no immune system at all!

    Ok, so my darling husband buzzed my head in the backyard this morning while my kids watched. It was not nearly as emotional as last night, when I sat next to him sobbing because it was coming out in clumps. Yesterday was an emotional roller coaster with the holiday and all. Saw a lot of people for the first time since diagnosis.  

    Here's my question...did anyone else have a terribly itchy head after her buzz cut? I went with 1/4" clipper. Not sure why it's so stinking itchy! Any suggestions on how to get rid of the itch. I have to go teach tonight and feel really self conscious about the scratching, and the scarf in general.

    I will try and catch up with you girls tomorrow. I am sorely behind! Sorry! More soon... ElleBee

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cmomof4
    cmomof4 Member Posts: 24
    edited July 2012
    Pam, the shirt was kind of a light cotton, sort of dressy, but simple.  I bought some pink sequined pink sneakers yesterday to wear to chemo...lol.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited July 2012

    Marcia, Glad your infusion went well! Tomorrow should be decent too. It is nice only one more a/c to go.

    Ellebee, My scalp didn't itch but felt tender. Plus, my scarves and wigs hurt at first. That was temporary. Now my scalp feels normal. I have read threads where the itching is spoken about. I hope tonight goes well. I bet you are well liked by your students so I bet it will be okay. People are surprising me by their positive reactions. Maybe, because everyone seems to know someone with it? Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mclark55
    mclark55 Member Posts: 168
    edited July 2012
    Hi SpecialK - I'm interested in what you had to say about the estrogenic effects of lavender and tea tree oils.  I've worked with essential oils for 12 years and never heard that before.  I'm NOT saying I don't believe you (I would never do that!), I'm just wondering where that information came from, do you remember?  I would be really interested to know.  Thanks!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2012

    ElleBee - I'm glad you don't have thrush, but who needs a cold now?  So sorry!  I hope it passes soon.  Do you ever take zicam or airborne?   My hair gets itchy, but not unusually so.  It was very itchy and tingly right before it started falling out. 

    cmomof4 - I tried again to find you on Facebook, but no luck.  I love the sound of your pink sequined sneakers!  My MO said that I am going to get very sick of pink in October.

    Pam - I just got more done tonight, since the infusion, then I did the whole rest of the day.  My head is beginning to feel a little woozy, so I'm back to chilling on the couch.  I agree with 2 things you said - 1.  Ellebee's students must love her- probably everyone she knows feels that way, and 2.   Isn't it amazing how many people you speak to that had or know someone close to them that had BC.  Even at the small party I went to yesterday, one woman was a 10 year survivor.

    I could swear that the stubble on top of my head is growing.  The MO said it might start to grow (and fall out again) on Taxol, but I'm still on AC.

    I hope everyone is feeling well!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • StephanieJM
    StephanieJM Member Posts: 78
    edited July 2012

    Hello from the beautiful Oregon woods!!

    One of the grandboys has this wireless gizmo that connects to a satellite.  Can't believe it!!  However, I had just written a long post..... blink, he forgot to tell me the it needed a charge, so lost the post.  I will try again.  Enjoying reading all the posts I have missed.

    Marcia... regarding the pink ribbon making you cry, everything makes me cry!! However, someone gave me some pink refrig. magnets, trust me, they will never come out of the package.  Our daughters are getting a team with t-shirts to walk in the Race for the Cure in Portland; thankfully I am too weak to join them.  I have walked in prior years FOR people but this just isn't for me personally.  I appreciate SO much what everyone wants to do for me but it just isn't me, this is NOT going to define my life.  I'm just a private person, remember I cut my own hair rather than do it publicly in the shop.  I don't want anyone shaving their heads for me, I was so afraid the grandkids would all show up here with shaved heads, it would break my heart.  I'm not taking pictures of me, can barely look in the mirror, even my husband has only seen me once or twice.  This is just one of the many hurdles we all cross through the course of our lives,  I don't want stuff to remind me.  .... like, having a terrible car accident.... bodies heal, the car gets replaced, and life goes on... I don't get the album out at Christmas and say WOW remember that crash!!!   no one size fits all, and that's why this is such a great forum we support each other with ideas and love.  I would never have thought of cutting my hair myself, I got the idea here and it was the right thing for me.

    I have more to say but want to post before a bird flies over and I lose connection!! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2012

    mclark55 - here are a couple of sources.  As always, there is frequently conflicting information on this subject, as there is with soy, etc., but being strongly ER+ I just avoid both lavender and tea tree oil and use other products.

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/113251-estrogenic-effects-tea-tree-oil/

    http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jan2007/niehs-31.htm

    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/aromatherapy/patient/page2

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Melrosemelrose
    Melrosemelrose Member Posts: 3,018
    edited July 2012

    StephanieJM- So glad you found the courage to cut your own hair.  I know it gave you a sense of control as it did for me.  I also know that you will find that little umph of courage to let others see you as you truly are---- a beautiful strong woman surrounded by wonderful supportive loved ones who don't care what you look like.  HUGS!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • StephanieJM
    StephanieJM Member Posts: 78
    edited July 2012

    O.K. I am back... by the way, chemo brain is hitting my fingers, I can't believe the words I type that are spelled wrong! Again, regarding "the blues" to all who mentioned this.  I couldn't stop crying when first diagnosed, my PC put me on the lowest dose of anti depressant, it helped so much until I started chemo then crying all over again, she upped it but then I was awake all night, I was barely sleeping 6 hours even before.  So took me off, waited two weeks to clear out and am on a new med. starting yesterday.... we will see.  Everyone in med. field has said we really need all of our strength and sleep to fight this.  I am also going to ask onc next week about sleeping... I agree with you, don't want to get started on something but chemo is an exception for me..... didn't want to get started with that either!!:)

    This is day 10 of #2 for me, and have avoided a couple of the SE you are mentioning.... I take Delcolax morning and night starting day of chemo, then can tapper down.  I also take Zantac starting day 1, don't wait for stomach trouble to start.  Being very careful avoiding crunchy stuff, brush teeth with soda and baby toothbrush and floss VERY gently. 

    I haven't worn my wig yet, really feel fine with scarfs and people are really sympathetic, it is so common now, before I think people were home because they were too nauseus to get out.

    I'm so sorry for some of the SE you are going through as I read the posts.  I hope by now you are past them. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jane64
    Jane64 Member Posts: 29
    edited July 2012

    Hi going tomorrow for my first herceptin only tx. A little nervous but just want to get it done. Hopefully i wont break out again with pimples. My head is tender and tingling after 1st tx of tch. I guess i have about another week or so with hair. Went to buy a chemobeanie today at work and i had left my wallet ar home. Oh well. Take care all. Cant say how much all of you have helped me keep it calm when i want to panic.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mom24boyzs
    mom24boyzs Member Posts: 53
    edited July 2012

    Ellebee- my head was itchy after I first shaved my head. It has been about a week and it is better now. My oldest son came home yesterday for the 4th and his little brother's birthday and buzzed his hair too. Now my two oldest have buzzed heads just like their momma.



    Stephanie- I know you said you didn't want anyone shaving their head for you, but I live that my boys have done this. It is their way of showing their support and love for me.



    Jane- praying your first Herceptin only treatment goes well! I will be doing those too, so I will be interested in your experiences. Good luck! I am doing the tch right now and should finish with the carboplatin and Taxotere in September.



    My friends threw a surprise hat party for me today! It was wonderful. Everyone brought me a hat or a scarf. I am all set now!! I can't believe how wonderfully supportive everyone has been. Breast cancer sucks, but there are some things I have learned.....like letting go of the small stuff, accepting help when it's offered. I know when this is finished that I am going to come out on the other side with many more lessons. I know this might sound weird to some of you, but I KNOW that I am going to beat this and I will be the better person for it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited July 2012

    Mom24 boys, That is beautiful about the surprise party and what a great idea about the scarves everyone brought! I am amazed by the outpouring of love people are receiving. Maybe, because everyone here is so nice and wonderful and worthy of love.

    Jane64 Goodluck tomorrow! We will be thinking of you.

    Melrose, I really like what you wrote Stephanie.

    Stephanie, I understand a little about what you wrote. I don't want to be defined by a pink ribbon. My husband after diagnosis brought me a pink ribbon bracelet at a farmers market and I shouldn't right this but I hated it. I know so terrible to say. I said thank you but stuffed it at the bottom of my jewelry box. I almost got angry at it???I know bc awareness is important so I shouldn't feel like this. Maybe, the wounds too fresh. About sleep, before bc I had problems with Insomnia, I was placed on Remeron. It works great for sleep yet will cause weight gain. I gained ten pounds. It is an antidepressant at higher doses. I don't take anymore but it worked well. Sometimes, not more than once or twice a week, I will take a valium to help me sleep. I haven't tried sleeping pills. However, I notice we are all having sleep problems. Trazadone also you can try, another antidepressant. I know too much about this as before bc I had a terrible time. Now sleep is better from sheer exhaustion. Hang in there. You will feel better soon.

    Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2012

    StephanieJM - You sound a lot like me, right down to the misspelled words!  I hope you're enjoying your visit.

    Mom24boyz - what great friends!  That is so nice.  I hope you got some nice, wearable hats and scarves.

    Pam - My husband had given me mostly beautiful gifts over the years, but every so often there is something I don't care for.  I try to wear it once and then put it away.  He always forgets about it.  I had a gift certificate to Pandora and love so many of their products that I couldn't decide what to get.  They were having a special right after my BMX.  If you bought $50 in mini charms, you got a free bracelet to put them on.  After my second fill, I decided to buy myself one.  It has a few pink beads and the rest are silver.  I get a few beads with each course of treatment.  I started it on the day of my second fill, added some when I started chemo, and will probably finish it when I start radiation,  I'll have to get something else when I have my exchange surgery. LOL. I don't wear very much pink, but I love this bracelet.  I spent a lot more than the gift certificate and that is significant for me.  I rarely buy myself anything unless Ihave a gift certificate or it's a really good sale.  This is one of the only things I've really done to treat myself and it feels good!  It could have been any color, but the pink makes me remember how brave I am being.  I never saw myself as astrong person, but this experience with BC is making me see that I am stronger than I ever knew.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • maa764
    maa764 Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2012

    I had treatment #2 on Tuesday - the dr gave me 2 anti nausea meds this time and I still feel aweful.  I was able to eat the first 2 days - yesterday I slept all day.  The dr had ordered a patch for me before treatment this time but told me not to use it.  I am going to call at 8 when they open to see if I can use the patch.  I can't go thru 9 days of not being able to eat or do anything like the first treatment.  I feel like I got run over by a truck.  I had 2 other anti nausea meds last time to take at home and they did nothing.  I was put on Ativan and then the dr said he really does not want me taking it long term.  I told him I got that the last week and that was when I fianlly was able to eat and not get sick so I would like to keep taking it.  I am take Zantac too as I had reflux this time which is something new.  

    Any suggestions.  I am trying to eat small meals - dry cereal right now is about all I can choke down, and fruit.  I had chicken soup and toast yesterday. 

    Thanks for listening - the dr cut back my dose because I was so sick last time said it would not be as bad this time.

    Michelle

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited July 2012

    Michelle, Have you tried Emend? I see you are on day four, and from my experience, it is the worst day. I too felt like I got run over by a truck. I wish I had advice in how to make it more tolerable for you. The only thing I can say is sleep through the worst of it, if you can, the worst will pass. I hope the patch makes things more tolerable for you. Hang in there. The worst should pass.

    Marcia, I love the charm bracelets you speak of. We have some military families where I live, and one women showed me all the charms of all the places where she was stationed. Your bracelet sounds gorgeous. I want to see it!!! You are right, we are all stronger than before. I feel like I was broken and put back together. I like how your bracelet is reminding you of how strong you are. I never buy stuff either, unless I love it. I am glad you did.

    Today was better over here. Day 8 post chemo. Wbc and rbc count down which explains why I am in bed so much and am getting hit so hard. I started taking iron pills, the nurse said it was okay, so hope its true. This Thursday I take my fourth and final a/c infusion. I should be saying yah more enthusiastically, especially since it worked. Even saying the word of the chemo drug makes me nauseous. I will do it but but am finding this last one the hardest. I was all gung ho before until now...

    Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited July 2012

    Cmom, Just saw about your pink sequined sneakers. They sound nice. I see teenagers here wearing twinkle toes by sketchers and I love them. Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2012

    Pam, I'll try to post a picture on facebook.

    I'm sorry you're feeling so bad.  Will you be done or do you have to do Taxol?  I have heard that it's much easier.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • StephanieJM
    StephanieJM Member Posts: 78
    edited July 2012

    Good morning from Orego!

    Day, day 11 of #2 for me and best I have felt this time.  I will try to look up and post the anti nausea meds I have been given for Michelle later today, I have had so very little nausea with either round.  We are leaving for town.... 40 miles..... for girls day off, we usuallly get pedicures  but I want to avoid that so skipping them this year!!

    one thing I for got to say with SE helps I discovered.  with the neulasta shots, pain in bones sets in about 7- 8 days after shot, they were the worst this time.  I put an electric heating pad on my legs and had relief in 5 minutes, I think the heat increased the circulation, and blood flow.  Hope that is helpful to someone.

    Also, I love what your families/friends are doing for each of you in their own way, it is just me that doesnt' want them shaving their heads I know they want to do something.  Like one grandboy is getting pink football shoes, socks and mouth guard..... I know I waill bawl when I see him but it is his way of "doing something".... think he will get teased by the team in "pink"???  Like our neighbor said to my husband... I will mow your lawn for you, and my husband felt bad like maybe he wasn't keeping it up enough, but he does and the neighbor said "I just want to do something".  and it's a huge lawn, like 1/2 acre.   Are we bless, or what? 

    Love the idea of the hat party, I will do that someday for another chemo patient.... see what we have all learned. :)

    May each of you have a great day!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited July 2012

    Stephanie, I am so glad you are feeling good and enjoying Oregon. I don't want people going out of their way for me either. It has taken me a while to realize that by letting people help we are helping them. I didn't realize this part before at all. I was a late bloomer until bc.

    Marcia, Thanks! I want to see it.

    Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pamelahope
    pamelahope Member Posts: 534
    edited July 2012

    Ellebee, How did teaching go last night? Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Marcia1111
    Marcia1111 Member Posts: 368
    edited July 2012

    Stephaniejm -

    Have you tried Claritin for the bone pain?  I take it for about 7 days beginning the day before Neulasta. I have had minimal pain.  My husband offered to shave his head for me.  He's practically bald anyway!  I told him it would just make me feel worse.  Whatever brings each  of us comfort is individual.  I have had a lot of support from friends who bring me meals and friendship and my husband goes to every appointment with me.  I don't need him to shave his stubble too!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories