December 2012 chemo group

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  • sunflower71
    sunflower71 Member Posts: 130
    edited December 2012

    @skimommi: You are very welcome!  Only use the Head and Shoulders if you get the dreaded pimples, not everyone gets them and they do not last the entire time you are bald.  The head and shoulders got rid of them and I moved on to Cetaphil. I used that as a face wash and my head just became an extension Tongue Out. 

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

    That also brings up another great discussion. Is anyone continuing to use their regular face wash these days? Or have you had to go gentle? I've always used expensive products, buy wonder if I can continue.

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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited December 2012

    Welcome Woolly! Of course we will have you. All are welcome here, as we try to encourage and commisserate with each other.

    JenJen - I hope you are feeling better today.

    Sunflower - Thanks for the tips, we can always use info from those who have gone before us.

    Skimommi -  I am using my regular face wash, but it is a mild one. I did have to give up the face cream with the Retinol though as it seems too harsh right now.

    3 days post chemo #2 and I am having more nausea/stomach issues than last time. Boo! At least I have the meds and know that this will pass in a couple days.

    Hoping you all have a good day!

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited December 2012

    Hello all!  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!  Slowly getting decorations up, thinking about making cookies today.  Better late than never.

    Has anyone had itchy hands as a SE?  Not on the palms, but on the backs of both hands.  Driving me nuts.  It is somewhat red and I can see faint bumps.  Seems strange that I am 15 days out from treatment and just now happening.  Any tips would be appreciated.

    Martha

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited December 2012

    headed in to get fluids at noon.  I couldn't drink or eat anything yesterday - I think I got a cup of soup down.  Now my throat is sore.  My eyes are seriously dilated.  I can't sleep.  This is fucking awful.

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited December 2012

    Jen - So hoping you feel better after fluids and get relief from your other symptoms.

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

    Martha~I haven't had any hand itching yet, but I see we're on different chemos. I have seen others mention the hands itching. I just assumed it was the palms.



    This is 2 weeks post first chemo. My hair is still holding on, even when I tug on it.



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited December 2012

    Paula, my hair is still firmly in place, too!  I am really surprised and a little mystified.  Maybe it's waiting to let go right in the middle of Christmas dinner or something! Surprised My long wig (totally different from my usual style) is due to be delivered today.  I have a short one already, and I have lots (too many) of hats/scarves ready to go.  Guess we're still locked in a tie as far as our race.

    I guess the hand itchiness is just an isolated thing; I also have a cold/ear infection and a nice big fever blister to go along with it.

    M

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  • Sandra60
    Sandra60 Member Posts: 201
    edited December 2012

    Hi everyone ! Just checking in before the Xmas - holiday rush .



    I start TC ( 4 rounds ) on 12/27 - anyone else out there start same that day ?



    I looked into the cold caps but MO says he doesn't think the success rate is very good . I am wondering about trying to save my eyebrows ??? It wold seem just freezing that part might be pretty easy during chemo and a few hours after ? Anyone ever try that ? Maybe mine wont fall out :). .

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited December 2012

    Wow, what a difference 2 hours makes!  This morning, I posted that my hair wasn't coming out.  Just now, I ran my fingers through my hair and got several hairs.  So, I guess it will happen after all.  I am simply amazed by this whole process.

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  • Sjesse12345
    Sjesse12345 Member Posts: 45
    edited December 2012

    powermom - I had an itchy right hand, palm though, I think someone else mentioned a few days ago they she too had itchy hands so must be an SE.

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  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited December 2012

    I just need to vent again about the side effects of my dose dense AC chemo (I've had two infusions so far).



    Unrelenting nausea is the worst; crying jags from the steroids almost as bad.



    Ativan and Zofran not helpful as they are for some; compazine's side effects for me ruled that one out.



    This evening after 5 days of nausea i am just about to try phenegran (promethazine). My oncologist prescribed decadron (another steroid) to start this morning (which i challenged but reluctantly agreed to try because I was so desperate.)



    I took this am. with no effect on nausea & in addition another sudden crying jag (which I have repeatedly told onc & nurses needs to be addressed; the steroids before infusion have had same effect).



    It will be interesting if the phenegran does help since it was just prescribed by my long time PTSD psychiatrist who happened to call to check on me. I had just hung up on the onc nurse in total frustrations when she called.



    Trial and error...but before next chemo on Dec 31 I will insist on getting a better plan in place for both the nausea and steroids.



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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited December 2012

    Sjesse12345,  I don't know about the other chemos, but fluorouracil can give Hand/Foot syndrome, which makes the palms and soles of feet dray, cracked, and painful.  Don't know if it would start off itchy or not?  I've heard the best thing to do for that is a lot of pre-emptive moisturinzing and wearing gloves when using any dish soaps/cleaning products.

    jenjenl,  I feel your pain (after just coming off a whole week of mouth sores myself.)   Hope you feel better after the iv hydration and it can clear up quickly for you. 

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  • five_cents
    five_cents Member Posts: 16
    edited December 2012

    Hi Sandra60, I have my second treatment on the 27th. At my hospital it's going to be a long day, i have to do blood work, onc visit and chemo all in one day and they've already said that they are overbooked and short staffed after the holidays.

    Powermom - I had itchy hands, the skin turned red and peeled right off. But it was on day 8 - 10 and mainly on my palms. I have baby soft skin on my hands now! I had a bunch of other rash symptoms as well, hives on my arms and a small reaction to the Neulasta. Cream and a cheap pair of gloves seemed to help my hands feel better.

    Handfuls of hair coming today, would like to have enough left over for a family Christmas party tomorrow...keep your fingers crossed.

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  • mfml
    mfml Member Posts: 77
    edited December 2012

    Sounds like alot of us are feeling pretty crappy tonight.  Peggysull... my heart is breaking for you.. you sound like you are at your wits end.  I wish there was something I could do/say to make you feel better..  I hope the phenegren works - let us know.  Maybe you should head in for IV fluids soon if nothing gives soon???  JenJen - I hope you are doing better after fluids.

    My body hurts to the touch.  This didn't happen last time.  My skin, my muscles, my bones, even my teeth ache.  Anyone have this?  Thinking of taking a percocet (or two) but don't know if the tummy can handle it.  

    I am now losing hair EVRYWHERE except my head.  Go figure - shaved the head after the first chemo.  could have kept it at least 3 weeks longer..

    well -I wish those of you suffering some peace tonight.  About the only positive thing I can tell myself right now is that tomorrow I will be one day closer to being done with treatment.  

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  • Sandra60
    Sandra60 Member Posts: 201
    edited December 2012

    Thanks 5 cents - nice to know someone I can connect with on that day . I hope your hair holds out for u for the party - will say a little prayer for u :) .



    Jenjen - I hopemu are feeling better by now . My dentist said a compounding pharmacy could make up a mouthwash called magic mouthwash - it is a mixture of 3oz lidocaine 10 ml dexamethasone and benedril elixir and Maslow equal parts . Don't try to mix yourself ! I read thAt from prescription - have not had it filled yet .

    Maybe this will help some !!!

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  • Sandra60
    Sandra60 Member Posts: 201
    edited December 2012

    Sorry my iPad auto corrected for me - that last ingredient was supposed to be maalox

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  • IFightLikeaWoman
    IFightLikeaWoman Member Posts: 27
    edited December 2012

    sorry have not posted in a while..Chemo is a bitch.First week I was exhausted. six doses of TC chemo for me every 3 weeks. Perception weekly than every three weeks after chemo.



    s/e

    Mucotosis..Thank God for magic mouth wash!

    nausea

    pain

    exhaustion

    constipation/diarrhea



    scared of what the future treatments will be like.



    I hope all is well with my chemo sisters out there.

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  • FriendGwen
    FriendGwen Member Posts: 177
    edited December 2012

    Hi ladies! Sorry to hear about the struggles. Keep the faith. This too shall pass.



    Got my port installed today. Wow, I loved that sweet little sedative they gave me. Been home all afternoon puttering about wrapping gifts and being so grateful to have two weeks off from work. Day 15 and my hair is coming out. Because of this port the dr said no shower until Wednesday! Holy smokes. The plus side is if I can keep myself from touching my scalp maybe I can keep my hair thru Xmas.



    I love my pixie cut. Should have done this ages ago. Hopefully it will return by the end of summer.

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  • Jud
    Jud Member Posts: 26
    edited December 2012

    POWERMOM..... YES ITCHY HANDS!!!!! had them for about three days.... Days 12, 13, & 14''' Today it is gone, but my finger tips hurt....

    MFML.. YES MY BODY HURTS!!!!! also... also had shooting pains like little electric shocks moving all over my body... my doctor said it was the chemo attacking my nerves... but yes my body hurts very bad... had it a couple of days then it got better then it came back..... I HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER FAST... GENTLE HUGS!!!!!! my husband shaved my head today, I cried, then when I looked in the mirror, I laughed, then I cried again!!!What a dork I am.....

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  • IFightLikeaWoman
    IFightLikeaWoman Member Posts: 27
    edited December 2012

    hreception not perception..dang auto correct

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  • Nicole503
    Nicole503 Member Posts: 295
    edited December 2012

    Sandra60 I am starting on 12/27 too, but I start with AC and then T.

    jenjenl  I am hoping that you feel better after IV fluids.  I remember really rough periods in my life when I had to break the day down to "one hour at a time".  I focused on just getting through this hour, and then knowing I got through it I had some confidence that I could get through the next one too.  Sometimes it is easier to look at life in smaller chunks when we are suffering, rather than trying to confront the whole day at once.

    Wishing a quiet peace to all of you who are suffering.  Today is the solstice and we can take heart that this is the darkest day of the year.  Tomorrow will be a little lighter.  May we all feel that way about our journey with breast cancer.

    All my best to everyone.

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited December 2012

    So, did you find anything that helped - doesn't sound like it.  I'm a day behind you, day 16 today.  Yesterday, strands of hair, clumps today?  Not sure when the buzzcut will happen.  Hope you feel better, too.

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  • Runnergirl2013
    Runnergirl2013 Member Posts: 83
    edited December 2012

    jenjen - hope you are feeling better and hanging in there!

    bren58 - hope the SEs aren't too bad and you can power through.  I go for #2 on 12/26...hoping it's not worse the second time.  I have been lurking on the Nov. board and it seems like the fatigue really hits hard on #3...I guess we know we will make it through - right?

    powermom - hang in there with the hair loss.  I am at the same point as i started chemo on 12/4.  My hair is falling out in clumps.  Got a pixie cut on Wed....but not sure how long I can hang in before shaving it.  I don't know which is harder - watching all of the hair falling out or shaving it...thoughts?

    peggy sull - please let us know how you are doing and I do hope for a better plan for you!  And I hope you are waking up to feeling better.  Hang in there the best you can!

    ifightlike a - saying a prayer that you are hodling strong and making it through with some relife!

    friendgwen - you have such a positive attitude!  glad the port surgery went well.  Mine got inerted on 12/4...i still have some bruising and for the most part I got used to it after a week.  Why did you decide to get it after the first round?  I hope you are well and maybe we can both get out for a run or walk this weekend - right? :) hope you well!

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  • FriendGwen
    FriendGwen Member Posts: 177
    edited December 2012

    Good Morning! Runnergirl - the wind is howling here in Maryland this morning. I feel great but between the wind and the post port surgery instructions of "no exertion" I guess I'll be taking it easy now through the few days post chemo 2 on the 27th. Between that and all the Xmas goodies finding their way into my house I hope I'll feel strong enough at the beginning of 2013 for running and the gym. I have a goal to run a 5k at the end of April. It's a fundraiser for a local cancer support center and the course is at the college where I work and often walk at lunch. It couldn't be a more perfect combination. If I'm not up for it I'll at least do the one mile walk. Oh and I got the port at the strong encouragement (insistence?) of the infusion nurses.

    Had a glass of wine last night. It was fabulous. Today is cookie baking day.

    I know my hair is coming out in strands so I'm just not touching it!

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  • Sandra60
    Sandra60 Member Posts: 201
    edited December 2012

    Runner girl and friend Gwen - will join you in your running exercise plans for the new year ! I've working out more than ever and feel great - just not looking forward to next Thursday 12/27 when I will start to feel bad .... I know it is temporary but there is such a variation in how people react to chemo . I need to find a 5 k run like Gwen and set a goal !!

    Cookie baking today sounds great Gwen - it is storming here in el dorado hills ca too and my son is headed up to the sierras for skiing - gotta have some cookies waiting for him !



    Question - did the steroid pills the first three days cause sleeplessness ? I take one nightly Xanax ( have since my diagnosis ) but not sure if I will need more

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited December 2012

    Runnergirl - I am undecided about when to "buzz," but I think I will run out of patience once it starts coming out in clumps.  I am "practicing" with my headcoverings today.  You'll be ok; from your avatar, I believe you have the beautiful face to carry off the look.

    Gwen - Yay for cookie day!  I'm working up to it.  Got out my cookie press and looked for recipes yesterday.  Also did some decorating around the house.  There's a bright side for me about not working out of the house (I work from home - family owned business)- I don't feel as hurried or stressed, and have time to think things through before doing them.  Hope you continue to feel good and enjoy this lead-up to Christmas.

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

    Runnergirl~I agree with Powermom, your face would look beautiful with or without hair. Just like Demi in GI Jane.



    Does anyone know a good place to buy the really big scarves that don't cost a fortune?



    Blessings

    Paula

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  • powermom
    powermom Member Posts: 195
    edited December 2012

    Paula - I ordered some scarves from headcoverings.com and some from TLC.  By my standards, they weren't cheap, but not totally out of reason.  At Target, they have some that might work for you.  I got a couple that are really large rectangular shaped.  It's hard to tell at this point which will work best.

    Judaday - Thanks for your response about itchy hands.  I'm still itchy around my knuckles, but not palms - weird.  Hydrocortisone cream seems to help some, so I will get some more today, hopefully.

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  • Sjesse12345
    Sjesse12345 Member Posts: 45
    edited December 2012

    Hair hair everywhere.....ugh.

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