Starting chemo November 2012

Michelle - No BM problems so far but doctor has me taking Miralax as I sometimes have the opposite problem as you. 

I wonder if the thrush is because so many of us are on the Cytoxan, Taxotere regimen.  Maybe there is a connection between one of these drugs and thrush?   I'll be asking the nurse on Monday.  She is supposed to check on me to see how I did over the weekend. 

A good nap and some Advil helped the back pain.  YEA!!!  Maybe I'll finish that third Christmas tree this evening. 

So what is everyone doing about the hair loss??  Hats, Wigs, Scarves?  I'm not so sure about a wig.  Everyone that I know who has been thru this said they ended up with hats or scarfs as the wigs were either too hot for Texas summers or too itchy. 

5luvbugs,,,itchy just doesn't describe it !!! Woke up this morning with a rash all around the port site, under my arm, up my neck and on my face. Took a benadryl and that helped. Almost looks like a reaction to whatever they swabbed my skin with before putting in the port, and under the bandage it looks raw where the adhesive was. Darn,,,,just one more thing to add to the list, hoping it doesn't delay the start of my chemo.

txjunebug,,,hope the meds work just as well for me

BIRTH CONTROL DURING CHEMO?

Just in case -- is the sponge safe duing chemo or is a condom required? I'm still sleeping sitting up, but had meds in hand and feeling better and wonder if it might be nice to treat my husband before I'm bald...or just wait until the last few days before the next cycle. I know it's toxic the first week and that bacteria might be bad anytime, and it might hurt and who knows if I'll be in the mood for the next 5 months, but just in case...anyone know?  Docs say I need protection until I haven't had a period for a year  -- despite hot flashes beginning beginning as soon as I stopped taking the pill when diagnosed. I'm 53. But I never felt old til now!

Haha sickofpink!!!! Hubby and I were told condoms too. Idk I guess chemo can burn their stuff???

I just took my last dose of steriods today, day four of my first AC cycle.  How was day five for people?  I have been a crying mest most of the day.  Not sure if it is becuase my birthday is tomorrow, or just the reality of all this.  I work from home thank goodness, but I am scared I am going to be sick all day tomorrow.  I need to get my drivers license renewed as well, nothing like waiting until the last minute!  I have ativan and compazine for nasuea, crossing my fingers I won't need it.  

My nurse mentioned birth control for the first fourty eight hours, but I had my tubes tied when we had the baby last year  The look on my husbands face was priceless! 

you guys almost made me cry, sitting here in my office drinking tea and hiding. Thanks - venting is in order some days, isn't it?

Nanatwo6 - i got a rash yesterday too. am now stoned on children's benadryl because it is all we had in the house. Itcy rashes suck - I hope yours doesn't spread and fades quickly. I used ice on mine last night - it took away some of the itching. I was told it was the neupogen... mine is on my chest and around my clavicles. I hope it doesn't stick around for all the shots. It will drive me nuts. At least the red hives will scare people and keep them out of my office:)

Eleni - hope you are feeling ok.

Hair - Michelej19, I agree this part is going to be tough.  I am avoiding thinking about it. I bought an uncut wig and am having a hairdresser cut it tonight, after first trying out something on my hair before it goes. My head is sore to the touch and tingly, but I am sure the actual hair loss is a few weeks away. I kinda want to get it over with. My 3 year old son is obsessed with my hair and always has been. He puts himself to sleep by touching it, and whenever he is near me, he puts his hands in my hair. He isn't going to be happy with a bald head, but maybe he will move his obsessive compulsive hair stroking on to someone else in the house for a while (which will be great on the nights he comes to our bed, it is a realy sleep disrupter!). Or we will end up with a kid with a bald fetish:)

Placid after 4 Adria/cytoxans given every three weeks, I will also get the 12 taxol treatment weekly, but I didn't know that could be better.



I'll take whatever relief I can get.



Blessings

Paula

Sorry ladies still learning my way.....yes told the bit about flushing. Dr has warned me and DH to use protection both he's 32 I'm just 30 so I guess we should be doing it constantly lol. As far as AC I've had diarrhea not constipation but I drink a ton of liquids.

So many topics in these last posts! Wigs; still not sure though insurance will cover 80%. I ordered too much from headcovers.com and love my Buffs. But big scarves that I can wrap are my favourite and I am getting lots of compliments even twice from my BS on Friday and the staff who see us bald women all the time. I go to yoga often and always take off my cap, scarf etc. Everyone is supportive.

Condoms; I did not remember hearing about them at chemoteach but my husband did and at Costco a couple of weeks ago he asked if they sold condoms. I looked at him like he was crazy, wondering why he would be wanting them now. I disregarded it but now that you are all bringing it up (not those who are pre mentrual but those of us who pregnancy is not an issue for) is there a possibe problem by not using condoms? Not that we are exactly making records here but don't want to get an infection or worse!

I asked about the flushing at chemo last week as I did recall that; nurse said important for those with little ones.

Megan, I sent you a private message. No need to reply just checking to make sure it went OK.

Marian

Sfrey -

Good luck today!! I have #2 Wednesday. I will start Claritin tomorrow. Let us know how it goes.

Edi-

Good luck today. It is today right?? Sent u a pm. Let us know.



As if today I still have hair going to pick up my wig tomorrow. My niece is coming she is a hair dresser.



Hope everyone's S/E are easier today. Have a great day ladies.

Txjunebug -



That happens to me also !!! Glad u made it to work! 😃

Marianeliza - Smooth Moves tea worked for me. I've taken stool softeners every day sicne chemo and it worked very other day but painful and even bloody - last night, I took the stool softeners, plus drank the tea (tastes good, alll natural with licorice flavor) and it was a huge difference. Dunno if it's because I'm 12 days out, but whew. Good luck!

SickofPink i can identify with what you are saying... I met this great guy at an intense exercise program and we've been dating for a year and 7 months... He fell in love with this healthy strong woman and now everything has changed!! I feel horribly guilty like I gave him the bait and switch!!! He says that he loves me and that I'm more than boobs and hair.. It just all seems so unfair :-( he is wonderful and I have no doubt he will see me through this. Your husband loves you and this is just a bump in the road on your life journey. Let him bring you tea and the rest you can get later!!