Starting Chemo July 2012

Hey Itsall-yes, definitely in recovery. Good, too, as I was feeling like 'mashed potatoe' brain there for a while. Definitely a little awkward with the hair thing, but in the 'big picture' I guess all we can do is try to control it as much as we can by pre-emptively cutting or covering. Haha-I too, purchased  a 'hat with hair'-it just seemed more me, and I plan to put my Team USA Olympics pins on it:) I hope all works out with getting your family used to it-hopefully they'll just accept it as part of your 'healing' for the entire journey:)

 Ann-Ariamycin (which I take as well) is known to have an effect on the heart, but for some it's temporary. My Onc told me this is the reason they periodically rescan you (MUGA) as you go through treatment. I periodically experience weird heart beats and fluttering, but it comes and goes. Good luck-hopefully it is just this one drug stressing your system a bit and it will pass. Never fun to have to worry about another thing, especially as we all weather our main storm of recovery.

Marianne-I do get completely random shooting pains all over. Not necessarily in bones (I take Allegra and it has worked for me, as the 'bone pain' is apparently a histimine reaction, which Allegra has effectively blocked for me). But like throughout body-funny you mention 'fireworks'-that's how I described it to my partner. I'll be sitting somewhere, and all of a sudden, it just starts, like someone is pinching and stabbing me hard in random places...very strange. I think hair is different, but for my TAC regimen, my Oncologist said probably within 10-14 days after 1st streatment, but some still have their hair after 2nd and 3rd treatment. 

Swimmom01 - Such a beautiful gesture from your daughter. It's amazing how kids can surprise us with their understanding and compassion. I'm glad you went and snuggled. I'm sure it gave you both comfort,

A shot or two from my pin-up shoot. Made me cry like a baby today when they came in the mail. This is to remind me I can be beautiful again after all of this...

Thanks to all for answering my questions. Going to get a real short cut today and will try to postpone the shave of the head till midweek. I am having a really hard time with the hair part of all this. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Marianne

Marianne - I am on Day 15 (had 2 taxol treatments, needed to push the 3rd treatment back a week due to hospitalization from MRSA infection this past week) and I have not lost any hair yet or had any other SEs.  I just showered and I keep expecting it to begin to fall out, based on what I've read here.  I'm prepared now - so it's strange that I am just waiting now for it to happen.  We might be late bloomers, I guess.  

Had first nuelasta this morning. Starting to get achy back and leg pain. Nausea starting--darn it all. Youngest daughter came home from college for the w.end. She has not seen me in 2 weeks--since week through scans and plans and biopsies. Mom is always the strong one--in charge and in control. And, I have not told her that her step father walked out after meeting a new love on match.com. He has not been a good man for years--so she will not miss him. But will worry about the additional stress on me. Anyone remember at the end of 28 Days when Sandra Bullock is trying to pick up the horses hoof and yells " I could just use some help here"--maybe at a targeted time we could do the same. 

I had my first AC treatment yesterday, 7/26, on husband and sons birthday.  I was so, so, scared.  It actually wasn't that bad-- so far.  I have no nausea to speak of, only complaint is that my eyes are dry but that is not unusual for me, I already take drops for them.  I am taking the nausea med and so far, so good.   I was very tired last night and today took two naps -- not sure if that is a side effect or if it was just relief that I made it through the first treatment. 

I went for my Nuelasta shot today -- so far so good with that as well.  I am taking Claritin for bone pain hope it helps.  

I went and got my wig on Wednesday, very emotional -- and to the gal who wishes she had a gay friend to join her, my best friend who happens to be gay, went with me.  I knew that he would be honest with me.  We actually had a good time even though I broke down a number of times.  I know it is cosmetic and temporary but it is emotional all the same.  To me,it will be a reminder eery time I pass a mirror of what I am going through.  I need to turn that around and think that the bald head is me beating this bitch called BC!  I am attending the Look Good...Feel Better class and am planning on having my head shaved on the day that, 8/9, or the Friday before, this will be my take charge moment.  Not sure I want to do it on the 6th as if I have a real emotional time with it, I sure won't look good OR feel better.

So, to those who have shared that chemo isn't that bad, thank you.  And to thouse who continue to encourage us newbies, thank you for that as well.

Lifeonitsside: Great photos!  You were so smart to have the photos taken.  Don't forget that your hair will grow back, your bloating is temporary, and you'll look and feel like your old self soon.  Plus, you'll know that you're stong enough to kick cancer's butt 

Meh, 5 hour stint in ER last night. Fever of 100.9 and then all over the place. Couldn't pass stool to save my life, and was up previous night every hour in agony. Sorry for being a little detailed but if anyone has any specific tips for the 3 am 'backup', I'd love a PM if you have a sec (and yes I will ask Onc on Mon for something to help this along if needed). They put me through mill, chest x-ray, blood work, urine. White Count 6000, and no infection. Just in case send me hope with Antibiotics. Have follow up appt with Onc Monday anyway (that was to be my White Blood Cell test). It's possible I didn't drink enough that day (definitely corrected that now). Got so frustrated I downed a whole  glass of organic prune juice. Mayhem ensued in my system after that, but it did work within just 1 hour (crazy). My system has always been tricky, so I thought I was being good with Acidophilus (told it was ok, given my generally 'moody dig system) and eating really balanced (everything from high fiber to low fiber food). Just wanted to vent-5 hours to find out all was ok (thank goodness and I appreciated quick responsiveness of Onc when fever wouldn't go down despite compresses etc).  Was looking forward to Olympics (and watched at hospital and DVR at home today). Hard dealing with being 'on guard' all the time with my body-used to being healthy before all this. Thanks for listening to my rant. Second treatment 8/9. Whew. New day tomorrow:)

Hi Everyone...

I just finished my 2nd AC treatment and I feel great.  I feel better than I did last time.  For the first round I couldn't believe how constipated I felt  ( I'm pouring my heart out for you, Boobzilla!) I do not like laxatives because I get such painful cramps, but I eventually had to take Miralax after that first treatment.  Now I take 2 colace every day and I take a senna pill called PRUNELAX--I buy it at Rite Aid.  It is a laxative but it is soooo gentle and I feel as regular as I can.  It just seems to work and this time I didn't have any problems.  Sorry for the TMI...hope it helps!

Mamabr-I felt this way about 3 days into my 1st treatment-it was literally awfuld I was depressed for a day or so (because I felt so OPPOSITE from me!) Coudn't believe how crazy run down I was-I felt like I was going a little insane.  I was completely annihilated, but I listened to my body, rested hydrated and just let close friends know what was happening. For me, it passed eventually, and by 1 week out I felt much better-I didn't see  the end of it at that time though-felt like the drag would never end. I am now 9 days post and feel sharp and good. Try to do any little bit of activity for fatigue-walk around house, anything-even 5 steps, listen to music on headphones, even when laying down-self soothe yourself with something you love and don't fall prey to the depression if you can-can be a dangerous spiral. If you can't, you can't (so what-my Onc says rest is crucial and during sleeping, healing occurs). It gets better-think of the end of this, and about everyone who loves you, rooting for you. I hope things get better-try to keep positive and some sense of humor (we have to because we have to get through this!). One. Day. At. A. Time.

Madelyn-thank you so much for the tips-I really appreciate them-about to eat dinner and was dreading another 'episode' with my home spun prune juice colonic, LOL. 

City-thanks for the words of encouragement-here's to hopin' so, definitely took notes on some mistakes I made with 1st round.

Good luck everyone!

City,

Your pic's are beautiful . Hope I look as good when I have my head shaved this week. How do I find info on the look good program? Also, I think I have thrush. Is this from the Chemo?

Hello ladies! I'm new to this blog. I am struggling with my AC treatments! I know I know we all are but that's why I'm here for support from people that I know, know how I feel. I was diagnosed in April with IDC stage 2 a triple negative with one auxillary node involved. Doc wanted to start with chemo first so started on taxol on May 10. Had 4 treatments of it once every 2 weeks ( dose dense) taxol for me was a breeze. My hair started coming out if I tugged on it about the 14 day after first treatment. I babied it for another couple of days in order to keep it longer and then I thought what am I doing? I am keeping my hair BUT I can't brush it or wash it! I woke up and looked like a mangy dog so I had my husband shave it on 18 day. Felt good to be done with that! All the agony spent on worrying about it sheesh! Wigs work fine for me. I had very thick long hair so actually wigs are easier haha. So back to my chemo. I started with AC on July 5. Man what a difference in the two chemos! It kicked my butt! I was in bed for 4 days! Finally made it to the couch on the 5th day! Went for my blood work and sure enough my white blood count was down. On taxol my counts never got out of range. So on July 19 I went for my 2nd AC treatment . This time the first 2 days after treatment were pretty good but the 3rd day wow hit rock bottom! And that is where I stayed for the next 7 days! I was to the point that I thought man I can't do this! This sucks! I want to call my doc and say no more! I was feeling so bad that I got to researching AC on the Internet and a stumbled across a blog of one girls journey and In reading that blog she directed me to this discussion board she thought you girls could help me. Help me to not stop the AC and that maybe I could help with anyone who has questions on taxol . I know I can't really stop the AC but it sure helps to hear from people that are going though this too. I have a great hubby, but he can't really relate not like you girls can. Thanks for listening and any help or suggestions is appreciated.