In shock

Dakota, I did not use any of those. During chemo my lashes and eyebrows thinned, but held on. Afterwards the lashes fell out completely, and 8 weeks after my final chemo I had no lashes and very thin eyebrows right at the time my daughter got married. I'm not good with make-up, but an eyebrow pencil took care of the eyebrows. The lashes started growing again, and they came back as they were before within three months. What a joy to put on mascara again! It will be tough for a while, but it does grow back. My wig had bangs, and I just wore the bangs down low so nobody would notice the lack of eye hair - LOL! I also wore my sunglasses a lot . . .

To you and Edithester, hang in there with the chemo. Does it suck? Yes, but you will feel that you are doing everything available to you to beat the beast. Drink lots before, during and after, and rest when you can. A short walk outside in fresh air now and then is good. Best wishes and hugs to you two!

Benny, I don't think you have inflammatory bc at all, but this story is just to give you some encouragement. A woman I know well, was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 3 inflammatory bc with lots of nodes involved. The treatment was drastic too, but she tackled it with the wonderful, amazing attitude of a true warrior. She had a double mastectomy, chemo for six months, and much more radiation on both sides than I have ever heard of. All of this happened more than TEN years ago. Today she is fit, healthy and strong, and carrying on with her life just as before. Makes you think, right? There's always hope - we should never give up!

@bennymuffins, I am sorry to hear you are having such a problem with this infection! I am sending you a big (((hug))) and hope you have a pleasant visit with the Giant Plush Toy.

I agree with the others who say it's extremely unlikely you have developed IBC so quickly. I'd guess the non-improvement is either because you have an infection that is resistant to the antibiotic you've been given, or you are having an allergic reaction in addition to or rather than an infection. Allergic reactions and infections can both cause redness, itching and swelling.

Hang in there, and remember to use any anti-freakout techniques you learned from your counselor.

Dakota, just back from first chemo !! like bearcub says don't feel any different. Nervous wreck leaving the house, DH was very calm but think it was worse for him. When we got to the hospital felt surrounded by caring kind people straight away. Short wait then nurse arrived introduced himself and before I knew it I was hooked up to anti sickness drip arm resting on lovely soft pillow. Needle for IV went in no problem and we were away. First of three syringes full went up tea and buscuits arrived for me and DH. Chemo went through in about half an hour but I kn ow that everyone's are different, even if yours takes longer time literally flies by. Then extra fluid to flush through chemo and before I knew it was on my way home feeling right as ninepence ! Had a lovely lunch of scrambled eggs on toast with cheese on top, all cooked by me as DH looks as if he has been run over poor love ha ha. . You have to go through it but let me know if you agree that these lovely ladies know what they are talking about. Bought three beautiful 100 percent cotton squares and silk ties nd I am becoming pretty good at making very glamourous headwear. Want to be ready to face my public looking as glam as a 64 year old can when I need them in about 2-3 weeks.

Chin up Dakota and come out fighting (( hug ))

Benny r u any better  ?

bearcub thank you. will I be able to go to halloween party tomorrow if I feel up to it ? Read somewhere to avoid crowds, was also looking forward to some retail therapy maybe when I feel energetic. Know I have to avoid people with infections but does that mean staying at home all through the winter ? Got 2 GD Birthdays, my birthday then Christmas. Realise fatigue will set in and going to do gentle excercise i.e. walking locally and eating sensibly to help. I just love life and will rest when needed, but the thought of being unable to join in the festivites bit depressing.

Hey bennymuffin

My friends and family all responded to me going to loose my hair by saying 'wigs are great these days' yes much better then when I needed one in 1996 but not the same as your own hair driving with windows head out window for that gorgeous breeze!!!

I am in australia and full lace wigs human hair started at $1200.oo after researching wigsbuy.com were cheap.

I picked mine up for $315 and that included express shipping! I know its definetely not the same but my best friend whom is also a hair dressee us adding some blonde foils so it will be exactly the same looking as mine



Start my first chemo in a couple of hours...how excited i am...not anxious and nervous sums it up i think!!!



No picking up those bales of hay today...lol u sound like me picking up my 16kg son 1 week post op!!



Things we do....ahh.....

Dakota  hi, and good morning. Had a good nights sleep thanks, only got up for a tinkle about 3 I always do that anyway and I have been drinking loads of water and sugar free squash.

Still feel good at moment mouth feels like the inside of a trash can lol. Going to get out my sugar free lemon sweets, sure they will help. Never eat too many of anything sugar free by the way as you may find yourself running to the loo and not to pass water.oops.

As liefie says the effect of this may build as time goes on and I may get more weary but while I can I will live each day as normally as possible.

Yesterday at chemo I was chatting to lovely young man who was on his last treatment and as he is self employed he has worked after chemo since day one ! He also reckons and I am sure he is right that if you expect the worst it will happen.

They gave me some anti sickness pills to take today ( I have no nausea at the moment by the way ) read the side effects and omg ! one of which could be fits ! going to ring my onco nurse now and see if I have to take them.

Today I go to Bingo with my BC buddy Bel and all being well we might win.yay. Then hopefully will show my Black widow spider costume off at Halloween party.

Cross everything for me please and you keep that chin up.

Liefie, thanks for good wishes and have lots of hibernating jobs lined up if it all goes bottom up.

Bearcub, hope everything ok with you ?

Benny, are you feeling any better yet ?

Happy Halloween, off to dust off my broom stick.

Edith, my white blood counts remained fairly decent all through chemo (in part thanks to neulasta after each treatment). I traveled, went on planes, walked in crowds, went to parties etc. Never had a problem, but talk to your doc.

I was told to stay out of the sun, so I got some huge hats and if I wanted a decent walk, I went either early in the AM or after the sun went down. That was a bit annoying sometimes, but still manageable.

Yes, I was wondering the same thing!!

Edithesther, what chemo drugs are you getting? Glad to see that you are enjoying yourself - make hay while the sun shines! Hopefully you will be okay. Usually the first week is the worst for SE's, after that it gets much better.

Traii, how did the chemo go?

Benny, come in, please!

Edithesther, you sound so cozy there on the couch with your tea, and you are doing the right thing to take it slowly. You have quite the chemo cocktail there - no wonder you don't feel too sprightly. I finished active treatment on July 6, and have been recovering ever since. It feels so amazingly good to have my life and my energy back. Before you know it, you will also be there. Best wishes!

Edith, unexpected kindness was one of the good surprises of cancer for me too. Just before my diagnosis, we had met a guy in a business context and had dinner. He was nice, we had a good evening, but it was a business thing after all. When he found out I was sick, he called regularly to hear how I was doing. I was also surprised how much it actually helped me to have people do those things, like a phone call, taking me out for a coffee or whatever.

Esther, you have a good day too. Like you, I had epirubicin (as part of FEC), but without the methotrexate. To make up for it, they gave me taxotere after 4 of each. I really felt pretty good most of the time, until the last 2 treatments. I was still OK at that point, but TIRED!

Hi Benny,

I am also awake early here on the west coast, and have my cat sleeping on my lap. I am typing awkwardly sideways not to disturb her - spoiled kitty!

So glad to hear from you, and that things seem to be reasonably okay - I worry when you don't post, really! Hopefully you will hear about the chemo date early next week so that you can get that show on the road. The sooner it starts, the sooner it is over. About the pain in your left armpit - I am sure if it was cancer, the scans would have picked it up. I have honestly never heard about cancer spreading from armpit to armpit. Is it possible you pulled something in there when you were playing with your big plush toy, or when you tossed about hay bales?

You say you are plagued with fear and worry, and it is clear from your posts that you have a very hard time with this. Have you ever considered taking something to help you relax, and help you feel calmer? You may also sleep better then. Many people on these boards take something for their anxiety. It is a scary thing to go through, there's no denying it. You don't need to suffer so much, and your onc or family dr will certainly understand this, and prescribe something for you if you ask them. Just a thought; maybe it can help you.

Enjoy your horse today, and forget about everything else. You will be okay. Have a nice weekend. Big hugs!

Benny+ Trai

Good to here from you. I start nov 8, nervous more that I won't be able to do the things with my kids more than anything. We have a hockey tournament that weekend. This too shall pass.