Starting chemo November 2012

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited December 2012

    Megan - my right eyebrow  lost a chunk on Sunday.  Had to match it on the left as to not look goofy.  Eyelashes are a little bit thinner but the stupid hair on my arms is still hanging on.  Rather it go than the eyelashes & eyebrows!

    Topic of chemobrain - any good resources articles to read on early signs?  I, too am having trouble typing words correctly, operate slower like my heads in a cloud, and forgetting simple thoughts or names of things. 

    As for the other subject of the day - not happening right now.  Surgeries then jumped right into chemo.  Doesn't lend to much romance.

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  • Megan2
    Megan2 Member Posts: 70
    edited December 2012

    I think you have the signs Txjunebug! I think it is short term memory loss and difficulty processing information. I too keep forgetting basic words, do something and have no recollection five minutes later, look at work messages and can't believe I didn't notice the typos, and feel as though life is happening in some grand fog right now. Perhaps it gets worse than that? I did read for some people it can take a significant amount of time to wear off, and for others, it goes away right after the last chemo. Someone told me that until recently, very little attention was paid to the cognitive impacts of chemo and so it is not well researched or even really understood. This website has a research and articles section, maybe there is something good in there. Tell us what you find out:)

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2012

    Eleni & Sick of pink, & all you girls What can I say, I deleted my post because it was about SEX and the only thing going on "Down Below" in my house is the occasional "Fire down below" from the medication and diahhreaTongue Out knew you would love that responseWink Besides that, we've been married 45 years and now it's all about his hip replacement and my cancer treatment !!!!! BUT he's sure seen and touched my boobs a lot lately - that's the extent of our SEX= ok girls have your laugh - I am...Smile


    Junebug & Megan about that Chemo Brain - it's my new excuse for everything but my daughter said I'm always like this!!!

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  • politicomama
    politicomama Member Posts: 187
    edited December 2012

    Topic of the day.  Post surgery twice, first time I cried, second time was okay.  Since treatment has started, zero, zilch.  I actually pressed the issue this week.  Told him I feel ugly and ridiculous and that I could probably use a little.  At the first chemo our nurse actually mentioned it is not safe until 48 hours post chemo and I think that has really stuck with him.  That has been my one struggle with delayed reconstruction.  It was one thing to just be bald, but bald and boobless is really pushing the ticket on my self esteem.  

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited December 2012

    Megan - I looked it up on the American Cancer Society's webpage.  Didn't say much more than what we are going thru.  One article I say on Bloomberg said it can actually start from the stress of pre chemo.  Nurse practitioner said if it got to the point where I could not function at work or had difficulty driving that they would pull me off work until treatment is over.  I'm okay with that considering the situation with my boss. Heck, that's what short term disability is for right???

    Steroids kept me up last night so I'm going to stay home and get some extra rest.  I noticed my chemo brain is worse when I'm tired.  Maybe it's my body's way of telling me to slow it down some.

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  • Traii
    Traii Member Posts: 1,138
    edited December 2012

    I'm ready for my next chemo tomorrow half way there and last Taxotere whoo hoo......steroids today, its midnight here don't know if I'll be getting much sleep :( and its a warm night!

    I can't say if I have chemo brain as I think it happened a long time ago for me and I'm only 34...lol. but I'll blame the chemo brain !!

    I have CMF for 3 cycles coming up after tomorrows last Taxotere, can't say that I've lost eyebrows or lashes (fingers are crossed and everything else that they just stay put...loosing hair is one thing but would like to keep the brows, lashes i can part with they are thin anyways......would save on the mascara I guess..! lol

    Sex....well once or twice a week after I'm feeling a little better from chemo...normally the following week..I haven't had masectomy yet...so will keep it going until that happens I guess.....lol

    I can't believe each country is so different...here in Australia insurance or no insurance we still get what we need in terms of treatment etc....even our Neulasta shots are free, even though my onc said here they are worth AUD$2000 a pop.

    I'm having zoladex to stop my ovaries functioning while on chemo.....and they are AUD$350 a shot and my doc has put them under medicare so I am only out of pocket AUD$35.20 which is a huge huge difference.

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  • keetmom
    keetmom Member Posts: 432
    edited December 2012

    Well hair started coming out this morning by the handful...I said to my husband it hurts..think I will probably just get it shaved as this is quite messy, got my wig yesterday from TLC, not sure I really like it....but don't know if I would wear it much anyway.

    As far as the other discussion of the day, we finally did it last weekend...first time since surgery and treatment...we will see how much more it happens on treatment, but Im 25% of the way through right? :)

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  • txjunebug
    txjunebug Member Posts: 212
    edited December 2012

    Keetmom - they told us in chemo class that your head can hurt when it starts to shed.  Mine tingled, itched, then got sore after I had bald spots in patches.  I did buzz it because I couldn't stand the handfuls but each of us have our own path to go as far as our hair is concerned.

    Hubby stayed home with me today.  Got my feet propped up on the ottoman watching movies.  Resting as ordered and it feels good. 

    Once again I find myself so very thankful for each of you.  Your understanding, sharing, and care for one another is amazing and a beautiful gift.  Thank you!!! 

    Hope everyone has a good day with minimal SE.Smile

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited December 2012

    LuvBugs - glad to see you!  I was wondering about you - not like you to be so quiet.  Hope you're not feeling too awful and are enjoying the holiday season.

    Do you think preventive application of Aquaphor would help any with the "fire below" issue?  Or is the burning on the inside only?

    Hugs - M

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    I'm 5 days post 1st chemo today, feeling pretty good. I haven't had much in the way of SEs.



    Since the head gets tingly & tender, does it hurt when you buzz the hair?

    I have a wig, a short layered Bob in my color, auburn, also have hats & scarves. I will wear the wig just to church on Sundays. I'll probably wear scarves on Wednsday nights.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • keetmom
    keetmom Member Posts: 432
    edited December 2012

    txjunebug....Im off to shave it this morning...our hospital works with a beautician who will do it for free...and she will cut my wig..I couldn't let it just fall out slowly..Just want it gone...

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  • Dakota212
    Dakota212 Member Posts: 1,153
    edited December 2012

    Hi ladies -

    Megan - is the sex painful from the medication ? I work for drs and one said they don't believe in chemo brain. I told then well that's the excuse I am using... Lol

    Traii-

    Hey u... Very true about the hair. Let me know about the eyebrows and lashes. As if the bald head is not enough I am so paranoid about the lashes!!

    Sneaky-

    That's my schedule too! I go for # 4 A/C next week!!

    Tx-

    Mine seem thinner too !! I am so sad!!!

    5 luv-

    Thanks for sharing. !!! I feel so fake, fake boobs, fake hair... Ughhh!

    Suck-

    It's so true! I say all the time I don't want a pity party. Just bear with me!!

    Hope all u ladies have a S/E free day!! Gotta work ! Enjoy!!!

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  • Dakota212
    Dakota212 Member Posts: 1,153
    edited December 2012

    Opps forgot

    Keet-

    My head hurt also. I shaved it too! It was so demoralizing for me but getting used to it now :(

    Power -

    ? Is the aquafor for yeast infection or just burning. I am the lucky one that got hemeroids sorry if its TMI!!

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited December 2012

    Dakota - Just the burning that some folks have mentioned.  So far, I haven't had that problem. . . but just in case.

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  • Dakota212
    Dakota212 Member Posts: 1,153
    edited December 2012

    Power-

    I can't seem to get the stool softener laxatives right.... Ughh

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  • keetmom
    keetmom Member Posts: 432
    edited December 2012

    Hair is gone..head is cold..but I took control...and then did a bit of retail therapy with my 30% off at Kohls....did look good feel better yesterday, now I just need to make a habit of putting makeup on...feel better and look better then!
    Have my first fill on Thursday....hopefully we can get me filled so a month after chemo we can exchange!

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  • Dakota212
    Dakota212 Member Posts: 1,153
    edited December 2012

    Keet -

    Good luck on the first fill. Mine weren't too bad!!!

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2012

    FYI girls, my "fire down below" is on the outside not inside and it's from the  strong drugs - too high a PH for my sensitive skin and the butt burns from all the times I barely make it to the bathroom.  Maybe it's just my system but it happened about 5 days after both chemo treatments.  I get the next on on Tue, the 18th - should be all fired up by Christmas!!!! 

    What's this "fill" Keetmom and Dakota are talking about?

    Hair, I have bumps in my head and I still have some hair but look like Clarabell, if your old enough to know who Clarabell was but I doubt it.....Your still kids...

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  • Dakota212
    Dakota212 Member Posts: 1,153
    edited December 2012

    5 luv -

    Thanks for the info. The fill is for the implants. I have saline then GI to exchange for silicone once chemo is done. I am at the size I will be post chemo they are not the most comfortable but there is something there.

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2012

    Keetmom, I have 30%off at Kohl's also - thanks for reminding me - I need some gifts

    Keetmom & Dakota and anyone else - good luck with those fills...

    Soteria bet that wig looks adorable...

    Traii - you keep going with that sex thing girl....Enjoy!

    Junebug, did you enjoy your afternoon?

    OK, got to get the grandkids off the bus//////...

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    5luvbugs~I always thought Clarabell was kinda cute!



    Girls~If you're having problems with painful intercourse, there's an excellent thread on here (Solution for Painful Intercourse), take a look. There is help.



    Day 5 after 1st chemo. Still holding my own. I'm done with the steroids. I just wish I had some motivation.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • Dakota212
    Dakota212 Member Posts: 1,153
    edited December 2012

    5luv-

    I actually finished my fills prior to chemo, had breast reduction 8 years ago so ivwanyed tonstst around a "c". I cant wait for the exchange tho .

    Soteria-

    Thanks for the info on that thread.

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  • Eleni
    Eleni Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2012

    Thank you all for replying on the "being intimate" question. You were not saying anything in the beginning and I thought I offended people.

    Today I went to the hairdresser, shaved my head and started wearing the wig. It feels a little empowering. I still had hair but it was so thin. She told me to put baby lotion on the scalp for keeping it smooth. Great, now I'm going to be smelling like a baby's butt :-)

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2012

    As for me, I don't need to follow that thread - it would only cause my husband to have a heart attack!!! Since his hip replacement he's afraid of "it" but once upon a time we use to be HOT!!! Surprised

    Paula I'm so glad you remember Clarabell

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  • Eleni
    Eleni Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2012

    How often do you wash your wig?

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  • 5LuvBugs
    5LuvBugs Member Posts: 506
    edited December 2012

    Eleni, I doubt anyone on this board would be offended by much of anything, we all have pretty much to say and everyone is open, that's what keeps us coming back.

      As far as your head smelling like a baby's butt hope everyone doesn't try to pat it...I wash my wig about every 10 days to 2 wks but I don't wear it around the house much, I like the Clarabell look Kiss

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  • Eleni
    Eleni Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2012

    And another question, for the ones who go through this for the second time.

    The first time around, I wanted to look and feel "normal". I didn't like people to have pity for me. I had BK but I was not letting it define me.

    But this time around I feel different. I don't feel "normal". I'm sick. I'm doing preventieve chemo but still. I got BK twice, what does that say about me?

    My question is: how do you feel?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2012

    Eleni~I went to Look Good Feel Better last Monday. The leader was a cosmetologist, who has been doing this for the American Cancer Society since 1989. She said to smell the inside of the wig. If it smells like perspiration (like the inside of a hat) it's time to wash it. Use absolutely no heat on it! Wash in cool water.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • Dakota212
    Dakota212 Member Posts: 1,153
    edited December 2012

    Eleni-

    No offense taken by me!!

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  • Eleni
    Eleni Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2012

    5LuvBugs, I googled Clarabell the clown. Not a sexy look :-))

    My daughter is telling me to polish my head so that it shines! She's 13 :-)

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